Ma, 1823 3: 


SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY Pier 


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‘On: torah May 8, 1823, was held, at the City Hotel, Ni eres 
i & the Sevenra Anniversary tf Toe American Braue Socrery. t 

CMa. ee hae Hon. Joun Jay, Presipent of the Society, by reason of his advan- 

“ced age and infirmity, not:being able to be present, the Chair was taken by 

a ‘Gey. Marrnew CrArxson, Senior Vice President, who was “supported by 

Bs ts the Hon. De Wirr Crinron, and Ricnary VARicK, Esq. Vice-Presidents. 


cs _ Among the persons convened, the Society had the satisfaction of seeing the 
__,_. Sudges of the Supreme. Court of the State of New-York, a large number of 
hr - Clergymen of different Denominations, and other. Gentlemen, of distinction, 


from various parts of the Union. 

The meeting was opened by reading the 62d chapter of Isaiah, by the 
Rey. Mr. Suruerxann, of N ew-Hampshire. 
; Letters, apologizing for unavoidable absence, were read by the Rey. Dr. 
s&s. S. Woonaunt, Secretary for Domestic Correspondence, from the Hon. 
Joun Jay, President, the Hon. Busnrop W asuineton, Hon. Joun C. Surrx, 
Men. Witriam Tirenmay, Hon. Anprew Kirxparaicx, Hon. Joan Q, 
_. . Apams, Hon. Coantes Goupsporover, Hon. Wiiriam Partiws, Hon, 
|. Dourcax Camzron, Hon. Davip L. Morr, Josepx Nourse, and Fxan- 
| ess 5. Ker, Esqs. 

_ The Rev. Dr. Jamzs Minxoa, Sorcciary for Foreign Correspondence, 
te the following Appress from ts Presipent of the American Biers 
Saye 


; “« } Pe eT 
Omnia, 2 ee alt ea T 

i it gives me pleasure ta haere that this anniversary, like the preceding, 
_ brings with it tidings which give us occasion for mutual gratulations, and for 
mnited ryeie to Fim: whose blessings continue to: prosper our. pro- 
ceedmegs. | a. ask 

These annual rheetings naturally remind us of the purposes for which we 
have associated ; and lead us’ to'reflections highly interesting to those who 
consider what and where we are; and what.and where we are to be. 
That all men, throughout ‘all ages, have violated their allegiance to thei: 
® at Sovereign, is mi a experience and revelation bear ample and, 
a "concurrent testimony. The Divine attributes forbidius to suppose, that the _ 
i Almighty Sovereign of the universe, will permit any province of His empire 
> remain for ever ina state of revolt. On the passe the peared ‘pis 

















i ‘ie in heayen, He Heng. not have cieianded us to pray for in 





2 Seventh Anniversary of the 


That command implies a prediction and a promise that in due season it 

be accomplished. If therefore the will of God is to be done on earth, as 
done in heaven, it must undoubtedly be known throughout the cantare 
it can be done throughout the earth; and consequently, He who has de- 
creed that it shall be so done, will provide that it shall be so known. 

Our Redeemer having directed that the Gospel should be preached thi 
out the world, it was preached accordingly; and being witnessed ff 
high, “ with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles and gifts of 
Ghost,” it became preponderant, and triumphant, and effulgent. But this 
state of exaltation, for reasons unknown to us, was suffered to undergo a tem- 
porary depression. A subsequent period arrived, when the pure doctrimes of 
the Gospel were so alloyed by admixtures, and obscured by ap ; 
its lustre gradually diminished, and like the fine gold mentioned by he pao 
phet, it became dim. 

Since the Reformation, artifice and error have been losing their inflnetoe 
on ignorance and credulity, and the Gospel has been resuming its purity. We 
now see Christians, in different countries, and of different denominations, 
spontaneously and cordially engaged in conveying the Scriptures, and the 
knowledge of salvation, to the heathen inhabitants of distant regions. So 
singular, impressive, and efficient, is the impulse which actuates them, that 
’ without the least prospect of earthly retribution, they cheerfully submit to 
such pecuniary contributions, such appropriations of time and industry, and, 
jn many instances, to such hazards and privations, and such derelictions of 
personal comfort and convenience, as are in direct opposition’ to the plied 
ties of human nature. 

Can such extraordinary and unexampled undertakings, possibly belong to 
that class of enterprizes, which we are at liberty to adopt or decline as we 
please: enterprizes which no duty either commands or forbids? This is 
more than a mere speculative question; and therefore the evidence respect~ 
ing the character and origin of these undertakings, cannot be too carefully 
examined, and maturely weighed ; especially as this evidence is SCnat 
and thereby acquiring additional claims to serious attention. 

We observe a strange and general alteration in the feelings of Chitistiins to- 
wards the Heathen ; andone still more strange and unprecedented, has taken 
place in their feelings towards the Jews; feelingsvery different from those, which 
for somany centuries have universally prevailed. Although, as it were, sifted 
ever all nations, yet, unlike the drops of rain which blend with the waters on 
which they fall, these scattered exiles have constantly remained in a state of 
separation from the people among whom they were dispersed ; obstinately 
adhering to their peculiarities, and refusing to coalesce with them. By thus 
fulfilling the prophecies, every Jew is a living witness to their truth. ~~ 
*- The same prophecies declare, that a time will come, when all the twelve 
tribes shall be restored to their country, and be a praise in the earth: but th 
precise time is not specified. By declaring that ‘ blindness in part hath’ 
pened unto Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in, and that. Jeru- 

salem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles be 
fulfilled,” they lead us to conclude, that their blindness will not be sooner re- 
moved, and therefore, that theit conversion is not to be sooner expected. In- 
dividual Jews, have, from time to time, been relieved from their blindness, and 
tecome Christians ; and there are expressions in the Scriptures, which fayour 









American Bible Society. « 8 


the prevailing opinion, that the conversion of a large portion; and perhaps of 
the whole tribe of Judah, may precede that of the other tribes. They are now 
experiencing less oppression, less contempt, and more compassion than for- 
‘merly. Their obduracy is softening, and their prejudices abating. These 
changes have the appearance of incipient preparatives for their conversion. 

Besides these recent changes in favour of the Heathen and the Jews, ano- 
ther has taken place in the disposition and feelings of our people towards the 
many savage nations who still remain within our limits. The policy formerly - 
observed towards them, together with our rapid population, increased their ne- 
cessities, but not our endeavours to alleviate them. ‘This indifference has lat- 
terly been yielding to a general sympathy for their wretchedness, and to a de- 
sire to meliorate their condition. For this laudable purpose, our government 
has wisely and virtuously adopted measures for their welfare ; and benevolent 
societies, and pious individuals, are using means to introduce among them the 
benefits of civilization and Christianity. 

Nor are these the only events and changes which are facilitating the distri- 

bution, and extending the knowledge of the Scriptures. For a long course of 
years, many European nations were induced to regard toleration as pernicious, 
and to believe that the people had no right to think and judge for themselves, 
respecting religious tenets, and modes of worship. Hence it was deemed ad- 
visable to prohibit their reading the Bible, and to grant that privilege only to 
persons of a certain description. Intolerance is passing away, and in France, 
where it formerly prevailed, Bible Societies have been established, by permis- 
sion of the government, and are proceeding prosperously, under the auspices 
of men high in rank, in character, aud in station. 
_ From the nature, the tendency, and the results of these recent and singular 
changes, events, and institutions—from their coincidence, and admirable ad- 
justment, as means for making known the Holy Scriptures, and inculcatine 
the will of their Divine and merciful Author, throughout the world—and from 
the devotedness with which they are carrying into operation, there is reason 
fo conclude, that they have been produced by Him, in whose hands are the 
hearts of all men. 

If so, we are engaged in His service; and that consideration forbids us to 
permit our ardour or exertions to be relaxed, or discouraged by attempts to de- 
preciate our motives, to impede or discredit our proceedings, or to diminish 
eur temporal resources. The Scriptures represent Christians as being en- 
gaged in a spiritual warfare, and, therefore, both in their associated and indi- 
vidual capacities, they are to expect and prepare for opposition. On the various 
inducements which prompt this opposition, much might be said; though very 
little, if any thing, that would be new. The present occasion admits only of 
general and brief remarks, and not of particular and protracted disquisitions. 

Whatever may be the characters, the prejudices, the views, or the arts of 
our opponents, we have only to be faithful to our Great Leader. They who 
march under the banners of EMMANUEL, have Gop with them ; and conse- 
quently have nothing to fear. 


The Treasurer, Winuram w. Wootsey, Esq. read the report of the (Com- 
mittee who audited his accounts, by which it appeared that, 
The net receipts for the year, (including the monies received ns 
toaid in building the new Depository,) have been. . . . . $45,131 25: 
The ay igus POPS BEAE Se ete bee, MONIES, 47,380 26 


89X50 ' 


4. Seventh Anniversary of the 
. Parts of the Aumual Report were then read by the Rey, Dr. SS. 
pessoa 


HULL, Secretary for Domestic Correspondence, from 

the issues of Bibles and Testaments within the year, 

from the old to the new Depository, and. the prevalence of epidemi: 

New-York, caused a suspension of the business for more the 

the past year,) were 28,448 Bibles and 26,537 Testaments, makin 

issued in former years, 248,623 copies of the Scriptures. of i 
Several wennbainne were then unanimously adopted by the Society. 


The Rey. Dr. Joun, Woopnurt, of New-Je ersey, of the Pri 
Church, moved the following resolution :— - 
‘« Resolved, that, the ‘Report of the Managers, now read, be approved and. 
adopted, and that it be printed under their direction. tt — 
This yenerable gentleman, who is in the eightieth year of his age, , spoke as 
follows :—- ; ane 1 je aha ststi 
, Mr. Presipenr, 5 coclmethadabaane ibaa 
We live in avery ace earache It may. be calla the age of Bi- 
bles. . A general and powerful impulse has been felt by the religious world— 
the church has awakened from her slumbers, with respect-to this Holy Book: of 
God; which is now so highly exalted, and which is filling the earth. Were we 
to look into former ages, and see how few copies of the Bible then existed, and. 
compare them to the present millions, the contrast would be striking. At the 
‘death of Moses there was but one copy. Inthe reign of good Josiah, more. 
than eight hundred years after, it is recorded, that Hilsiah the priest, had found, 
the book of the Law, in the house of the Lord ; and when it was read before. 
the king, he evidently,acted as if he had never seen it, or heard itread before— 
he went his elothes. Even in the days of the apostles, entire copies of the, 
Scriptures were few—and seven hundred years after, it is said, that many of the 
priests had never seen a full copy, and that very few of them had ever read one 
through. _ Compare this scarcity to the present abundance, and in almost every. 
language under heaven, and we must be affected with the contrast.. This too 
long neglected book, is of immense importance to us, and to. our brethren of 
mankind. This sacred book testifies to us, what God és, and what he has done 
for us—what the Redeemer has done and endured. for us—what he is yet doing,» 
and has further promised to do for his people—it testifies to us what we ourselyes. 
a°e, and. what we must in a little time at, and what we must do, to inherit. 
eternal life... .... + eee 
And is there not some reason to acne that the two Testamentayyenntain 
ed.in this book, may be intended by the two witnesses spoken. of inthe Re- 
velation, which were. to bear festimony through a long period in sackcloth, 
in a depressed,.and mourning state, but were finally to be exalted unto hea~ 
ven? It must be admitted, that the two Testaments are spoken of as.witness- 
es ; for, when Moses had written the words of the law ina book, it was put in-. 
to the side of the Ark, for a Witness.. And the Scriptures, or truths contain~ 
ed in them, are very frequently called testimonies ; they are so called not less, - 
than twenty times in the 119th Psalm; and St. Paul speaks of the righteous~ 
ness of God, which was witnessed by the law and the prophets—the Sayiour 
himself said to the Jews, ‘‘ Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have. 
eternal life, and they are they which testify,” or bear witness, “of me.” And 
to his disciples he said, “‘ This Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in alt. 
the world, for a witness unto all nations.” The two Testaments then. are call- 






American Bible Societys.” 3 


ed witnesses, by the highest authority. But, did they ever bear their éestimo- 
ny fora long period in sackcloth, or mourning? If we look into the dark 
ages of Popery,we see that copies of these Scriptures were not only very scarce, 
but that many even of the Clergy could not read them ; and that the common 
people were all forbidden to read them—hence a long night of ignorance 


~ and errer-settled down,on the church, and. on the world. eae could have 


been more sad, and mournful! .... ihe he nl 
But when the two witnesses, spoken of ty ira hi were ak to finish their 
testimony (in sackcloth) war was to be made against them, and they were to 
be overcome and slain. Can this apply to the two Testaments? If we look 
into the last century, we shall see an extensive, powerful, and organised oppo- 
sition, (which their leader himself called a war,) against the Bible, and all 
true religion :—in which Voltaire, and a great host of infidels, were actively 
engaged: To detail their plans, their means, their numbers, their exertions, 
their boasting, and their blasphemies, would fill volumes. It is said that. Vol- 
taire boasted, that with one hand, he would undo, what the twelve apostles had 
done. And.in this country it was boasted, in an infidel society, that ina few 
years a Bible would notbeseen. This opposition or war seems to haye reach- 
ed its utmost height, in the reign of the French Convention. That Conven- 
tion, in its legislative capacity, and in the great city of Paris, declared, that 
our Saviour was an impostor, and the Bible a forgery : its use was forbidden— 
the doors of the churches. were closed, the Sabbath banished from the week, and 
the two Testaments tied tothe tail of an.ass, and led away by the commissioners 
of the Convention, in mock triumph, and burned to ashes, amidst the shouts of 
deluded multitudes! But after three prophetic days and a half, or three years 
anda half, the witnesses were to revive and stand on their feet.» This blasphe- 
mous decree is said to have been passed on the 26th day of August, 1'792, though 
not to.be fully executed until the following month, and to have continued in 
force until March 1796, just three years and an half; when it was repealed, and: 
the Bible mighi again be read, and men might worship God according to their 
consciences. » But soon after the revival of the witnesses, they were to as- 
cend, or be éxalted to heaven. And certainly this may well be applied to the 
two Testaments, or to the Bible ; for shortly after this, the British and Foreign 
Bible Society was formed—which was followed by a multitude of other Bible so- 
cieties, and societies. of different names. Read your own report and the reports 
of other societies ; count their numbers, and the multitudes of their members, 
spread over the face of the earth as an extensive cloud... Among these multi- 
tudes, you see the rich and the poor, the great and small, the male and female 
engaged ; you see the honourable giving honour to the Bible—you see him wha 
sits on a throne, come down and do homage'to the Bible.- Count the number of 
presses and labourers employed in the great work—count the millions of co- 
pies, and in every language, spreading in all directions, and. filling the earth ! 
And will you not say,the Bible, the two Testaments are exalted to heaven ? 

' Blessed are your ears, for they hear this! Blessed are your eyes, for they 
see this! and doubly blessed are you, who have been instrumental, in the di- 
vine hand,)in accomplishing this ; for herein’ you have been workers Me pane 
with angels, and with God. » Could you desire a greater honour?; > 

_ In this eventful period, the British and Foreign Bible Society stands pre-° 
eminent in majesty, and usefulness :—A society, which we delight to honour, 
and desire to imitate. Shall we compare it’ to a morning star, leading on a 


6 Seventh Anniversary of the 

glorious Gospel day? —_ Or, to a sun, blessing the world) with rays of Gospel 
light ?—It presents to this society a bright example. Although’ the nataral 
world might not endure two suns, the religious world would rejoice in behold- 


ing not only two, but two hundred such, mingling their ‘Deena aie ling dive 
world with the light of the glorious Gospel. is ia 


Much, very much has been done, yet, much more remains tobe done, 
calls aloud for perseverance, and increasing activity. Let us not forre 
our time for acting will soon be past, and that the night of death wi 
overtake us, in which no man can work.. He who now addresses eee 
probably, do it no more ; one whose head is whitened with the frost of 80 win- 
ters, and who has laboured 55 years in the vineyard, may well conclude, that 
he has almost finished his course, and may be taking leave of the world, of 
the church, and its useful institutions. In this situation, it is no small comfort 
to feel assured, that the great work will go on, until the earth shall be filled 
with the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea—and, until that 
universal song shall be heard, Alleluia, for the LORD ices een 
reigneth ! ‘tienen. S 


This motion was seconded by the Rev. Wizx1Am Ross, of New York, of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, who thus addressed the meeting.— =~ 
Mr. Presipent, 

At.a time like this, cold and hard indeed,‘must be that heart which: Junoaet 
feel ; and dark and grovelling indeed, must be that mind, which is not raised to 
the sublime contemplation of the great things which God is doing for the hu- 
man race. $ 






Situated as we now are, it is very natural to oaivert to the 
tecost, which took place shortly after the ascension of the great Mediator- 
The disciples were with one accord in one place, when the Holy Ghost opine 
among them, like the rushing of a migity wind, and filled all the house where 
they were assembled. ; 
This august display of Divine influence, was designea more fully to evolve 
and establish the Christian dispensation.—And by this inceptive manifestation 
of the power and grace of God, the way was opened for the universal p 
gation of the law of the Spirit of Christ Jesus. The glory of that law first 
arose and shot forth its irradiating beams at Jerusalem, and thence, like the 
solar fire, it quickly extended a life-giving influence throughout the world: 
Weare all with one accord in one place. True, we do not see here Par- 
thians, and Medes, Elamites, and Mesopotamians, but blessed be God, we do 
see a numerous assemblage of Christians, who, notwithstanding they are dis- ° 
tinguished from one another by sectarian peculiarities, do, nevertheless, as to 
the Bible cause, meet in one common centre. While, without bigotry, the 
hectic of narrow souls, they agree to divide circumstantially, they unite with. 
ardour to supply the destitute, as far as possible, with the oracles of God. 
Their views, hopes, and fears, mingle like kindred, and their disinterested 
labours cannot fail to be crowned with an abundant increase of the kingdom 
of Christ. Nor do we expect to hear a sound from Heaven, like the rushing’ 
of a mighty wind, or to see a lambent flame resting upon the ministers of the 
sanctuary ; but we do hope that the Holy Spirit will come down to meet the 
united faith and prayer of the servants of God, that all who are here assem~ 
bled, may leave this meeting, nobly emulous, burning with zeal, and breath- 


> 


American Bible Socielys q 


ing glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and good will towards 
men, while they determine to spare no pains to carry forward the cause of 
truth towards its consummation. yer : as 
' Sir,—We hail the period which gave birth to the American Bible Society, 
as most auspicious. In that hour the hope of Zion revived, the angel of mer- 
cy rejoiced, and the Father of the universe looked down from Heaven and 
smiled. A thousand circumstances concur to assure us, that in nothing can we 
more essentially benefit our fellow creatures, than by giving them the know- 
ledge of God, which is derived from revelation. He who knows all things, has 
ordained, that his word should be the lamp to dispel the darkness of man : and 
that through the Gospel of his Son, only, should life and immortality be brought 
tolight. Sin has so enfeebled the understanding, and corrupted the hearts of 
men, that they can return to God, only as they are guided by supernatural 
We cannot deny, that men in general have a sense of moral obligation, and 
2 capacity for religion. On the contrary, we must acknowledge, that they are 
naturally inclined fo religion. If, says Dr. Blair, there be any impression 
which is natural to men, it is a sense of religion. No sooner do they become | 
acquainted with their situation in the world, than they behold innumerable 
objects which lead them to imagine a first cause. They find themselves 
placed, in the midst of a vast world, where wisdom, power and goodness are 
displayed on every side; the magnificence, order, and beauty of which excite 
them to admire and adore. ‘ In the contemplation of that Power which operates 
throughout the universe, their souls are penetrated with reverence and awe, 
and whenever they are made the objects of unexpected goodness, they are 
prompted to gratitude. Those affections are no other than native effusions of 
the human heart. Ignorance may mislead and superstition may corrupt tliem, 
but they are nevertheless derived from principles which are essential to the 
nature of man. Prt ; iat wy 
In casting our eyes over the earth, and exploring the east and the west, we 
may discover tribes of men without policy, or laws, or cities, or any of the arts 
of civilized life, but no where do we find them without religion under some 
form or other. But so great is the disorder which sin has produced in the souls 
of men, that, by revelation only can they be brought to God and happiness. 
The glory of reason is fallen, and if men be not guided by the word of God, 
they are liable to embrace the greatest absurdities as the most sacred and im- 
portant truths. ‘To be convinced of this it is only necessary to survey those 
regions where the sun of revelation does not shine. Both in ancient and mo- 
dern times, the absence of revealed truth has been the jubilee of ignorance and 
the triumph of idolatry. And that not only among the barbarous tribes, who 
were but a short remove from the irrationality of the brute, but also among 
the most distinguished for strength of intellect and knowledge of science. 
And may we not say, without fear of contradiction, that how great soever may 
have been the advances of men in the study of nature, yet reason has never 
been able to ascertain the true character and worship of God? — 
~ Egypt, Persia, Greece, and Rome, whose fame still blazons on the page of 
history, shall be our witnesses. We dwell on their history with rapture, while 
we confine our contemplations to their works of art—their prowess in the field, 
and their unyielding patriotism; but, when we look at their gods, their reli- 
gious rites, and theit worshippers, we close our volume in astonishment and dis- 


q Seventh Anniversary of the 


gust. ‘We do not accuse them with irreligion, for certainly they were very 
religious. They abounded in duties, and their devotions were numerous, m4 ,; 
borious, and expensive. Nor will we say that they we 
must say, it is much to be doubted whether human in typo of 
producing greater absurdities than characterise their rituals.” Their ceremo- 
nies were revelling and dancing, nocturnal assemblies, and the most impure and 
scandalous mysteries; and their priests and their gods were both the slaves 
and patrons of every species of crime. But to what cause are we to’ trace 
their ignorance? To one only. They had wandered, and knew not the 
way to return. They called philosophy to their aid; it came—but 
betrayed its insufficiency, leaving behind eternal demonstration ‘that ‘those 
whom revelation guides not, are still mantled in darkness. 

And, Sir, philosophy is the’same fallible guide now that it was in the days of 
Epicurus, Aristotle, and Zeno. Whenever it undertakes the direction of men, 
it assumes the prerogatives of revelation, and must receive the oe tama i 
deserves. Its pride must be humbled, and its pretensions made void. = 

If we may bring down our observations to latter times, we mecborre sh 
is the present state of those nations, who are destitute of the Holy Scriptures ? 
Asia tells us,—Africa tells us. Darkness covers the earth and gross dark- 
ness the people. Yes, in those very regions, where apostles preached the un- 
searchable riches of Christ—where temples and altars were raised to the 
honour of the true God; and where cottages and palaces, the habitations of 
ignorance and the dwellings of science, were once made vocal with the dox- 
ologies of grace, idolatry with all its degrading, desolating and benine: aad 
is now triumphant. 

The church was in prosperity, and the Christian religion ak targedines 
credit. Philosophy sought and obtained favour. And what was the conse= 
quence? Prostration of faith and morals, of Gospel influence, and the simpliti- 
ty and ardour of piety. Philosophy having prepared the way, apostasy follow- ‘ 
ed and paganism consummated the clitiax of human degradation. ve 

Philosophy, Sir, has done its best. It has opened its schools—risen to hea- 
ven—descended into the deep, and traversed every clime. And what has been 
the result? An apostle fells. It has changed the glory of the uncorrupti- 
ble God into an image made like unto corruptible man, and birds, and to four- 
footed beasts, and creeping things. It has changed the truth of God into alie, 
and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator. Wherever it 
has flourished most, there have absurdities been most numerous and gtari 
The most learned nations of antiquity afford ample proof of this m¢ 
fact. With them gods were multiplied by thousands—the world was the off 
spring of chance, pleasure was man’s supreme good; the most ‘unnatural 
crimes were sanctioned by law, and the most sickening praia yo were 
practised as religious rites. Oo 

And, Sir, what more has philosophy done for God, for religion, or for humani- 
ty, im modern times and in Christian countries. Let the works of Bolingbroke, 
Hume, Voltaire, and their sapient coadjutors supply the answer. In their 
hands it has distinguished itself in open hostility to Christ and religion—it has 
deposed the Supreme Being from his sovereignty—it has sundered the ties of 
moral obligation—broken the restraints of accountability“deprived” men of 
immortality, and pronounced death to be an eternal sleep. 

Who by searching can find out the Almighty? or by what means can men 






imerican Bibie Society. 5 


‘be brought tothe knowledge of God, of themselves, of their proper business in 
life, of aday.of judgment, and of a future state of rewards and punishments. 
Here philosophy must own its incompetency, and yield the glory to revelation. 
‘THE BIBLE is man’s only infallible guide. Directed and charaeterized by 
that, reason regains its dignity, and philosophy becomes worthy of the name. 
‘The Bible contains the true character of God, and gives a description of the 
person and character, love and sufferings, humiliation and exaltation, of the 
Great Redeemer. It affords a fair exhibition of man’s sinfulness, and guilt, 
depravity, wickedness and misery. It is a balm for human woes, and a source 
of.comfort in all the troubles of life. It illuminates the soul, and is a welcome 
deliverer from the bondage of sin, the fear of death, the horror of the graye, 
and the dread of eternity. 

Who then, that has not by unworthy pursuits, sunk himself in the scale of 
being—Who that has not, by sensuality, made himself a brute, and is willing 
to die like a brute, if so he can live like one, does not thank God for that re- 
velation which has been made to the human family. 

Christ and the Bible are the two grand gifts which Heayen has bestowed 
upon our world. Christ has died, risen, ascended, and is now waiting the fulfil- 
ment of the Father’s promise. I will give thee the Heathen for thy inheritance, 
and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. And it would seem 
that it remains for the Christian world, to determine how long it shall be, be- 
fore that promise receives its accomplishment. 

At the present eventful period, God is employing his Church to send forth 
light and truth among the nations. And how great is our encouragement 
still to maintain the struggle against the powers of darkness. The sun of 
vighteousness is rising in matchless strength and glory. Already a ray has 
broke upon the regions of debasement.and misery. And, while it shoots across 
the gloomy chaos, into which the devil and sin have flung an intellectual 
world, it illumines, exalts, and trains immortal beings to act according to 
their high destiny, on the theatre of time, and then to swell the thrilling num- 
bers, raised to the honour of grace in the Heavenly world. 

Sir, the work of circulating the Holy Scriptures, is of God, and must go on 
and prevail. The heathen may rage, and the people imagine a vain thing, 
but He who sitteth in the Heavens shall /augh, and God shall have them in 
derision. The cause of truth has prin its march, in the strength and 
majesty of the Godhead ; and it is not in the power of earth and hell to arrest 
its progress. It is. throwing down the strong holds of Satan—It is dissolving 
the chains which bind, and crushing the servitude, which has long been the 
disgrace and misery of the noblest work of God. 

From the commencement, the Bible cause has proceeded in the accor- 
plishment ofits designs, with vigorous, undeviating, and successful steps. At 
the present time, it is constantly acquiring new accessions of strength, and 
multiplying and extending its glorious triumphs. And we rejoice to see, that 
a prevailing and assimilating anxiety, to promote the cause of mercy, is pre- 
vailing more and more throughout the world. It only remains for us, to act 
well our part while on the stage, and so leave an example worthy of imitation, 
to those who shall succeed us. And how cheering is the reflection, that be- 
nevolence will not die with the present generation. 

Though, like the good king of Israel, we may riot be permitted to build the 
house of the Lord, bringing forth the top-stone with shouting, and crying grace, 

gD 


16 Seventh Anniversary of the 


grace unto it, yet our successors may have that unspeakable feliaty and he- 
nour. Or if, after we have done all that we could do, our bre- 


thren, and bring them into the promised inheritance, in aie it i A 
ted, like Moses, to stand on some fayoured eminence, and looking dows 
through the vale of coming years, behold at a distance th 3 yet.we 
will rest in hope, that when our heads shall lie low in the grave, and he clad 
of death shall press upon our inanimate bosoms, posterity will carry on the 

work so nobly begun, and diffuse the knowledge of God through all the earth. 


The Rev. Dr. Pattie MirLepoter, of New-York, of the Dutch Reform- 
ed Church, moved the second resolution : 

“ Resolved, that the thanks of the Society be given to the Board of Mana- 
gers for their services during the past year.” He remem mph ret 

Mr. Presipent,— - nt 

Weare convened to-day to encourage each other’ahearts, and to strength- 
en each other’s hands, in circulating far and wide, God’s precious, meneeer 
rated, everlasting Bible. iy 

I call it His Bible, because.in. it, holy. a men. of God have spoken ; as they 
were moved by the Holy Ghost. 

His precious Bible, because it is so replete with blessedness. ” 

His unadulterated Bible, because we circulate it without note amas 
And the everlasting Bible, because it is God’s ‘nites and like its aivign An 
thor, unchangeable andeternal. 

. The idea of God speaking to man, at any time, or in any Sin is fulhof 
interest. 

His voice is heard in the awful majesty of nature—-and who does aanhienr 
that same voice speaking in the Bible? His voice in nature, is sure; mae 
Bible it is no less sure. 

It bears the impress of the Lew God Almighty. Look at that haga sir, 
and see how it is pervaded with his glory. 

Examine it minutely, and the proofs of its Divinity will oot aianlaga wade 
your hand, and grow every moment in number and importance, , 

Observe its unity, and its purity, its history, its chronology, its doctrines, 
its miracles, its witnesses, and its propagation. 

Compare it with other theological systems, so called, with profane aor. 
with ancient monuments of the arts, with natural phenomena, such for in- 
stance, as prove an universal deluge, and with astronomical calculations. 

Compare the annals of the nations with the account it gives of their de- 
scent from one common progenitor, of their fali, and consequent degradation. 
Notice it in the accomplishment in human experience of all its predictions. 
In its effect upon the mind to enlighten it—upon the conscience to control it— 
upon the heart, to make it burn as if Heaven’s fire had fallen directly out of 
Heaven upon it. 

View it on a large scale, in its influence on civilization, on hose man- 
ners, on benevolent institutions, on the peace of the world, on its civil and 
religious liberties; in a word, on the general comfort and glory of mankind, 
and who does” not see that it claims a divine origin? God has reared with his 
own hand, and has long sustained, two great, detached, living, and national 
monuments of its truth. 

First, the Arabians, with all that is singular in their persons, history, un- 


Amerccan Bible Society. il 


changed residence, and character. Secondly, the Jews, with all that is 
marked in their dispersion, preservation, character, and history. 

But independent of these considerations, and of these monuments, is it in 
any wise credible, that that God who has given law to every atom in crea- 
tion, has formed such a being as man, without law, without comfort, with no 
sure hope, and with no certain intimation, either of his present duty, or of 
his future destiny ? ‘And if all this could be, is it credible that 2 mere fiction, 
not to say forgery, has been the greatest engine the world ever knew to pre- 
vent crime, and to promote virtue? That a countless multitude of intelligent 
beings, in all ages, have clung to it as the anchor of their souls—have prayed 
over it, and wept over it—and habitually framed their lives by its precepts— 
and felt it to be heaven’s influence—the power of God, and the wisdom of 
God—and met life’s sufferings, and death’s = EONS in the faith of it, and yet 
have been deceived ? 

No, it cannot be; the supposition carries — it its own » death-warrant, it 
is unnatural, it is impossible. 

And if this Bible, be indeed, what it is repicctatodi to be, the Word of ‘ie 
living God; if it be so essential to human happiness; and if men are charged 
with its dissemination, then it ought to be done without delay. 

Mr. President—I have lately read in the printed address of the Louisiana 
Bible Society of March, 1822, a most heart-rending account of the religious 
state of the population of our world, and of the annual ravages of death. 

The calculations made in that address, are appalling, and so much the more, 
as there is reason to apprehend that they rather fall short of, than exaggerate 
the truth. 

* I wish that account was more generally diffused, for in lore compass it 
speaks volumes for exertion in the Bible cause. 

What criminality Heaven has attached to nations now destitute of the 
oracles of God for their ancient or more recent rejection of the truth; or to 
the Church oe ed so a wentanies over this moral Waite I know 
not; 

But one thing we all nines that whole armies of imimortal beings, who 
never saw the Bible, are annually passing over the verge of this life : 

Ts it not, high time then, for Christendom, and for the world to awake? 
In disseminating’ the Bible, there is labour for the scholar, for the civilian, for 
the Christian—for all ranks of men, from the imperial throne, down to the 
cottage; and that labour connected with unutterable interest, with imperisha- 
ble glory. ' , 

From engaging in it, no plea can excuse any man. 

Can we love God, and not desire that he should be known ? 

Can we regard truth, and not wish that it should be heard ? 

Can we love the soils of r men, and not labour that they may be saved? Or, 
can we even regard their temporal interests, and not be willing to promote 
them? No, it cannot be, for itinvolves absolute contradiction. Behold, then, 
millions of our race, degraded, benighted, ruined, moving forward with our- 
selves, for life or death eternal to the judgment bar of God. Behold them, 
for they are your own flesh, who are thus moving forward, and there is ‘yet 
hope of their recovery. “ Under the stainless sky of their unbroken night,” 
said alate feeling advocate in their behalf, “lie buried the elements of all that 
is great and exalted in gur common nature—the materials whence the Divine 


12 Seventh Anniversary of the 


Illuminator can elicit, sparks of heavenly fire. The instruments which he 
can harmonize to the touch of holy aii on? souls which he can form anew 
into heirs of God and immortality. t be haar ntaatban) ait 

“ Oh, when once his Holy Spirit shall begin to move 
dark chaotic waters, how shall order spring out of cout daahdllbiaaeedipetaat 
and glory, return to us from the regions of darkness, and the shad 
death.” \ (Ye on errs 

Mr. President—When a great National Society was first projected ‘in this 
country, I was one of those who believed that considering the extent of our 
Territory, and the local circumstances of the nation, the object ee 
could be best attained by sectional or state societies. 

But when I saw in the Convention that formed its constitution, an assem- 
blage of almost all denominations of Christians, met with one consent,—and 
acting as if animated by one soul,—when I saw party feeling and sectarian 
distinctions absorbed in one common interest, and feelings of the ‘highest 
grade, wrought up to the highest tone of strength and refinement, expressed 
in one common language of glory to God in the highest—good will tomen— 
I thought I saw, and subsequent events have convinced me, that ewan not 
mistaken, the finger of God. 

The whole operation of the American Bible Society, since that: auspicious 
period, like the mighty operations of the heart upon the human system, re» 
ceiving ahd transmitting life’s warm blood to every part of that system, has 
served to transmit life and energy to our most distant kindred institutions. ” 

The greatest sceptic may now be convinced, if he will, that the thing is 
of God, and must prevail. I have no doubt, Mr. President, but that the 
whole American family will soon take an interest in this truly Catholic es- 
tablishment, proportioned’ to its unutterable importance. May He who has 
the silver and the gold, and the heart of every human being under his con- 
trol, greatly increase its resources. May he give new impulse to its move- 
ments, and hasten the time when, through the instrumentality of this and its 
sister associations, heavenly truth shall pervade all nations, and all people 
shall hear, every one in his own tongue, the wonderful works of Get 4) 


For the distinguished wisdom and zeal displayed by the managers of this 
Society, during the past year, in promoting these great objects, I moye, &c. _ 


The motion was seconded by Hon. Cnauncer Lancpon, of Vermont. — 


Hon. De Witt Curmton, pape ogi 
When I had the satisfaction to attend, some years since, an Anni 
Meeting of this Society, it was honoured, I believe for the last time, by the 
presence of its venerable President, who has been since numbered among 
the illustrious dead. His mortal remains are mouldering i in the grave; but 
it is humbly hoped that his immortal spirit is in heaven, enjoying the rewards 
of a well spent life, the communion of saints and angels, and the smiles of the 
Almighty Father of the universe. His worthy successor is, I learn with deep 
regret, disabled by bodily infirmity from attending in his place, but he has fa- 
voured us with an emanation from his highly gifted mind. Like his prede- 
cessor, he was a statesman of the revolution, and has rendered eminent ser- 
vices to the Republic. After a life devoted to patriotism, illuminated by 
talents, and distinguished for independence and integrity, he has dedicated his 
setting sun to the diffusion of the light of the Gospel, and has given all the 


+ 


American Bible Society. 13 


weight of his elevated character to the support of an institution, which em 
braces within its purview, the highest interests of the human race. He too, 
will, in the course of nature, follow, ere long, his distinguished predecessor. 
Let us render him when living, the honours due to his high office in this in- 
stitution—to his exalted merit—to the purity of his private, and the useful- 
ness of his public life ; And under this impression, I have the honour to Sth 
pose the following resolution : 


“« Resolved, That the thanks of the Society be given to the President, for 
the address with which he has favoured the Society on the present occa~ 
sion, and for the lively interest which he manifests in its prosperity and suc- 
cess.” 


On this occasion, and as intimately connected with this subject, I shall en- 
deayour, with great diffidence, to illustrate the principles, enforce the ob- 
jects, and elucidate the merits of associations established for diffusing the 
Holy Scriptures, If it be admitted that the Bible is a revelation from God, 
intended for the benefit of man in this world, and for his happiness in a fu- 
ture state, it follows, as’an inevitable corollary, that its extensive circulation 
is a duty of the most imperative nature, and an interest of the highest cha~ 
racter. However the various members of the Christian community may 
differ about doctrine or discipline, they must all, notwithstanding, recognize 
the divine origin, and the sacred character of the Bible ; like the radii of a 
circle, they must all emanate from a common centre, and all terminate in 
the same periphery. 

As this place is neutral ponte on which all the contending sects of Chris- 
tendom may.assemble in peace, for the purpose of diffusing with pious zeal the 
knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, and of promoting, with concentrated effort, 
the great cause of religion, how deeply is it to be regretted, that different 
views should be taken of this subject, and that controversy should be excited 
asto the dispensation of the highest charity. For alas! It has been contended 

‘ that the Revelation of God to man should be modified or restrained by hu- 
man agency. While this opposition proceeds from quarters entitled to the 
highest respect, and is enforced by the most ingenious appeals to sectarian 
feeling, to the passions and the imagination, it is our incumbent duty to re- 
sist all attempts to intercept the light of heaven from striking the earth. In 
maintaining the pre-eminent merits of Bible Societies, let us not, however, 
lose sight of that charity which is the brighest ornament of the Christian cha- 
racter; and let us not mingle acrimonious imputations in our vindication of a 
great and glorious cause. The citadel of benevolence and Christian charity, 
may be defended without the use of poisoned weapons, and we may refute the 
arguments, without impeaching the motives, or wounding the feelings of our 
opponents. And let it be indelibly impressed on our minds, that the errors 
of wise men are, atleast, entitled to sympathy, and that even the obliquities 
of good men incline towards heaven. 

Whatever glosses may be thrown on this subject, and whatever disguises 
may be adopted, it is obvious that the opposition must finally entrench itself 
in the obsolete exploded doctrine of the danger of illuminating mankind. 
And no person can take this ground without entertaining erroneous views of 
the fabric of human society and of the high destinies of religion. In its full 
fatitude and unqualified extent, it compels us to consider the ruler every 
thing and the people nothing, and to substitute the exposition of the priest for 


14 Seventh Anniversary of the 


the will of the Deity. As ignorance is’ the patron of error ahd the enemy of 
truth, the diffusion of knowledge is friendly to the propagation of religion and 
the ascendency of good government. Tf it teach man his rights, it also 
teaches him his duties. ‘ Truth and goodness,” said an 8 philoso- 
pher, “ differ but as the seal and the print, for truth prints goodness, and 

be the clouds of error which descend in the storms of panier per 
tions.” aah 

To deny the full benefit of the Scriptures, in the most unlimited and u 
phisticated shape, to all the family of mankind, is to assume the ground 
incapacity for the full reception of the revealed will of heaven; and the if 
assumption is predicted on the most untenable premises. If the Almi ghty, 
in the plenitude of his goodness, has graciously condescended to promulgate 
his will to the human race, we cannot deny our capacity to understand the 
revelation without charging Divine Providence with an useless dispensation. 
And, if we take refuge in the pale of sectarian pretensions, and insist that the 
light of the Gospel shall only reach us through the refracting medium of hii- 
man illustration, is not this a virtual abandonment of the controversy? The 
Deity, in declaring his will, announced that man was able to receive, and 
eught to enjoy the full benefit of the revelation. And in contending that it 
must be conveyed in an exclusive channel, or only through certain selected 
organs, we fully concede that human nature may be rendered a fit depository 
as well as channel of divine truth. And, to borrow the language of a great 
philosopher, ‘* to say that a blind custom of obedience should be a surer obli- 
gation than duty taught and understood, is to affirm that a blind man may 
tread surer by a guide, than a seeing mancan by a light.” Within this ‘Bar- 
row compass is comprised the whole philosophy of the debate. % 

I believe that it is now genérally understood, that human reason cannot in 
itself furnish certain demonstration of a future state. The aspirations of the 
soul after immortality—the general impressions of mankind—the constitu- 
tion of the human mind—and the benign attributes of the Deity render it 
highly probable, that our existence is not bounded by the narrow limits 
of this world. But it is well known that every link in this concatenation of 
reasoning, every circumstance in this enumeration of considerations, has been 
assailed with no inconsiderable force. And it must be admitted that the 
highest efforts of the human mind, have been unable to afford suitable and 
distinct views of our mode of existence in a future state. Even the end of 
our creation has been the subject of doubt and debate: and the powers of 
philosophy, the fictions of mythology, and the subtiities of metaphysics, have 
been unsuccessfully employed in dispelling the clouds and darkness that rest- 
ed for ages over the destinies of mankind. Some have supposed, that this 
world was created to punish man for the sins committed in a pre-existent 
state. Others have imagined, that it sprang from,a fortuitous concourse of 
atoms, or an infinite series of causes, and that man is the creature of chance, 
has no fixed destination, and will experience the fate of other organic mat- 
ter. Some have considered him as created to afford amusement to superior 
beings, and to be “‘ the standing jest of heaven ;” while others have contended 
that his existence is essential to complete the series of created substelipes; 
and te supply a necessary link in the chain of being. - rete 

If the end and aim of our being in this world have appisbhe so obscure to 
the benighted vision of human reason, what may we not | expect from its 
views of a future state? The most sublime flights of poetry, aud the most 


American Bible Societys 15 


profound elaborations of philosophy, have altogether failed in furnishing lu- 
minous, distinct, and cheering prospects of immortality... The most alluring 
views of heayen were entirely derived from the earth; and the final allotment 
of the virtuous, was only a transit from this world to a material paradise. 
n Some safer world in depth of woods embrac’d, 

Some happier island in the wat'ry waste. 
a bowers of bliss ; ; in the gardens of delight ; in the fields of Elysium; . 
in the seats of the illustrious and beatified dead, there was always a retro- 
spective longing, lingering look, at the superior fascinations of this world. 
The great epic bard of Rome, after he had exhausied the powers of his crea- 
tive mind, in describing the delights of the Elysian Fields, asserts the returm 
of the souls of the departed to this world, in order to reanimate other bodies, 
And the father of heroic poetry, “‘ whose magic muse soared to the topmost 
heaven of grandeur,” describes his heroes as dissatisfied with their portion in 
the regions of blessedness. When Ulysses congratulates Achilles on his su- 
premacy over the mighty dead, the latter indignantly exclaims, that he 
‘would rather be a servile hind, and eat the bread of poverty on earth, than 
exercise imperial authority over all the Shades. 

Whole nations were ignorant of a future state; and others had but feeble 
glimmerings of light on this subject. The ancient philosophers were divided 
in their views. Many of them utterly discredited, and some openly ridiculed 
an hereafter. The consequences of this state of things were in every respect 
most deplorable : they were felt in every vein and artery of social combina- 
tion, and in every aspect and conformation of conduct and character. The 
ancients, who disbelieved in a future state, were utterly unable to account 
for the moral phenomena of this world. When they considered the events 
and vicissitudes of life—when they beheld the accumulation of laurels on the 
brow of the ty rant, the oppressor rolling in affluence, and the murderer de- 
fying punishment —When they perceived the wise and the virtuous shrouded 
in obscurity and overwhelmed with calamity: When they saw Cato driven 
tosuicide, Socrates to hemlock, an Aristides in exile; and heard the dying 
Brutus exclaim, that virtue was an empty name—in whata dreadful position 
did they stand? A knowledge of a future world would have elucidated alf 
incongruities, solved all doubts, dispelled all darkness. They sometimes, 
indeed, endeavoured to vindicate the ways of God to man, by alleging that 
in this sublunary state virtue was its own reward ; that vice was attended by 
an appropriate punishment, and that a man’s enormities were at least visited 
on his posterity ; and when forced from the full extent of their positions by 
the testimony of daily experience, they took refuge in atheism, or inculcated 
that the Deity had no agency in the concerns of this ee or adopted the 
system of polytheism, and believed in 

Gods partial, changeful, passionate, unjust, 

Whose attributes were rage, revenge, or lust. 
In this state of moral darkness, Jesus Christ appeared, pointing out the ways 
to heaven, and shedding light over the world. , What was before uncertain he 
rendered certain : for toadopt the words of the great apostle, ‘he hath abo- 
lished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gos- 
pel.” And herein consists a characteristic feature, and a peculiar excellence 
of the Christian dispensation. It lifted the vail which concealed futurity from 
view, and that separated time from.eternity ; and it afforded clear demonstra- 
tions of the life tocome. , All doubts on this subject have vanished, for a be- 


16 Seventh Annwersary of the 


lief in the Christian religion is utterly incompatible with a disbelief of a fa 
ture state. Christianity not only ascertains its existence but points out owr 
destinies in it. Instead of the sensual enjoyments ofa Mahometan Paradise— 
instead of the Elysian Fields of Pagan superstition, or the transmigrations of 


the Metempsychosis, ‘‘ our minds are lifted up from the dungeon of the body 

to the enjoyment of the divine essence of the Almighty,” and we are 

ed with 3 Peay 
Perfections absolute, graces divine, Poe 


And amplitude of mind to greatest deeds, «gl eae 

Christianity may be contemplated i in two important aspects. “alg 
ference to its influence on this world—and secondly, in reference to our des- 
tiny in the world to come. And whatever may be intimated to the contrary 
by the sneers of infidelity, or the cavils of scepticism, it may be asserted 
boldly, and can be demonstrated conclusiyely, that to its celestial influence 
we are indebted for the blessings of civilization, the elevation of the female 
character,—the enjoyment of domestic happiness—the successful cultivation 
of knowledge—the establishment of free government, and the dominion of 
good order and peace, wherever they prevail in the great communities of 
mankind. Aro ae? 

Had I the time "and the talent, I would proceed with pleasure to establish 
these positions, but restricted as I am in both respects, I can al aaa sal 
some of the leading topics, 

We are governed by our hopes and our fears—by the desire of pein pe 
and the dread of misery. The laws which regulate our conduct, are the laws 
of man, and the laws of God. To which may be added, as exercising x 
strong influence and, in many instances, a controlling power iat" 
an anxious desire to acquire the good will, and to avoid the contempt of our 
fellow creatures, by a conformity to the general sense of right and wrong. 
This is denominated by Mr. Locke, the law of opinion. The sanctions of 
laws in order to be complete, ought to comprise rewards, as well as punish- 
ments. The inefficacy of human laws, for their intended objects, is palpable 
from the daily operations of society, and the accumulated experience of ages. 
Secret crimes are of course unpunished; and how many of the guilty 
from the want of testimony—from casualties—and from the imperfect or pi 
verse dispensation of justice and mercy, and there are many abberations from 
virtue which do not come within the cognizance or the policy of human legis- 
lation. Violations of what are termed the duties of imperfect obligation, 
answer to this description. Ingratitude—infidelity in friendship—The want of 
charity—an infraction of hospitality—are not punished by the tribunals of 
men. And deeds of the most dangerous character, which strike at the very 
foundation of private happiness and public prosperity, are sometimes not con- 
sidered criminal Lying and adultery, for instance, escape with impunity. The 
complex machinery of government, the arduous administration of justice, and 
the embarrassment and difficulties which surround the operations of legisla- 
tion, frequently produce crimes peculiar to the social combinations of man, 
and generate evils unknown in a state of nature. But in addition to these 
considerations, it may be remarked, that the innocent are frequently punished 
instead of the guilty, and that human laws are entirely destitute of the sane- 
tion of rewards. To confer honours for obedience, would be as ridiculous as 
unavailing. ‘The honour of many would resolve itself into the honour of none. 
To dispense pecuniary réwards, would be nugatory or impracticable. In an 


American Bible Society. 17 


unqualified extent, no government would be able to supply the funds; and 
_ even ina restricted form, its operation would be to receive money with one 
“hand as a premium, and to pay it back with the other, in the shape of a tax. 

The efficacy of the law of opinion, is also limited, and has all the imperfec- 
tions attached to humanity. It cannot reach those who are hardened in infamy, 
and plunged in iniquity; and its sanctions do not extend beyond the limits of 
this world. Hypocrisy braves its denunciations; exalted rank and great opu- 
lence, feel, in some degree, superior to its terrors; and the stoic in his apa- 
thy, the anchorite in his seclusion, and the misanthrope in his hatred, look 
with ineffable contempt on the men and the things of this world. And to this 
it may be added, that the law of opinion dees not always present an immuta- 
ble standard of virtue, and an unerring criterion of excellence; but some- 
times connives at departures from the rules of morality. 

The sanctions of the Divine law supply ‘all these deficiencies, cover the 
whole area of human action, reach every case, punish every sin, and recom- 
pense every virtue. Its rewards and its punishments, are graduated with per- 
fect justice; and its appeals to the hopes and fears of man, are of the most, 
potent character, and transcendant influence. 

The codes of men, and the laws of opinion, derive a great portion of their 
weight from the influence of a future world. Justice cannot be administer- 
ed without the sanctity of truth, and the great security against perjury is the 
amenability of another state. The sanctions of religion compose the founda- 
tions of good government; and the ethics, doctrines, and examples, furnished 
by Christianity, exhibit the best models for the laws of opinion. 

The imperfect views which the Pagan religion afforded of futurity, had, 
notwithstanding, considerable influence on the interests of mankind. Herodo- 
tus represents the people called the immortal Gete, on account of their be- 
lief in a future state, as the bravest and most upright of the Thracian nations. 
And Juvenal ascribes the horrible depravity of the age, to the reigning infi- 
delity which had exploded from the public creed the Stygian Lake, and other 
terrors of the ancient mythology. : 

The Christian religion, armed with power, endowed with light, fortified by 
truth, and revealed by God—foretold in the prophecies, attested by miracles, 
sealed with the blood of the saints, and sublimed by the morality of Heaven, 
is thus presented to man, exhibiting him in a state of probation, and enforcing 
his good conduct in this transitory state, in order to secure his felicity in the 

regions of eternal bliss. It places what Archimedes wanted, the lever of pow- 
er on another and a better world, and controls all the operations of man in uni- 
son with the prescriptions of divine love. 

Feeble and imperfect as this view is, it notwithstanding presents powerful 
inducements to encourage your animated perseverance and redoubled exer- 
tions in the cause of philanthropy and religion. Institutions like this, unite 
in the bonds of friendship and charity, all their cultivators, without regard to 
kindred, sect, tongue, ornation. In this place, an altar is erected to concord— 
peace is declared among the most discordant sects—and the parti-coloured 
coat of Joseph is exchanged for the seamless garment of Christ; and in such 
a holy. cause, be assured, that the visitations of Divine approbation will attend 
your roceedings—that opposition will prove like the struggles of a river 
with the ocean—and that although mountains of sophistry may be piled on 
mountains of invective, like Ossa on hs ‘yet that all such attempts will 


v 


18 Seventh Anniversary of the 


terminate like the fabled wars of the Titans, and can never prevail against © 
truth and Heaven. il 


Fo this resolution, Peter A. Jay, Esq. replied, acknowledging on behalf 
of his father, the tribute of respect from the Society : : 


No one, he said, could pray more fervently than did his honoured parent for 
the success of the Society, or the enlarged diffusion of that sacred volume, 
which is the great antidote to all our woe. He believes, said Mr. Jay, that 
your institution is under the special protection and patronage of heaven. Of 
its direct design, after what I have heard to-day, I shall say nothing; but 
permit me to indulge a remark on one of the collateral benefits which grow 
out,of its operations. By these, Christians of all denominations are brought 
to know and led to love each other. They discover by degrees that their 
various sects are but so many squadrons under the command of one Divine 
Leader. They catch a common spirit, and feel at length like fellow soldiers, 
combating the same enemy, exposed to the same dangers, and sharing in the 
same encouragements. Can any suppose that this charity is unchristian? 
Can they believe that God does not love all who love him? or that none can 
love God but the members of their own, particular communion? Have they 
forgotten that Jesus Christ said , ‘ by this shall all men know that ye are my 
disciples, if ye have love one to another? And that all his disciples are not 
contained in one denomination, the same Divine Teacher inculeated, when, by 
his own beautiful parable, he taught the Jew, that a Samaritan was his neigh- 
bour. Let us then proceed, sir; and let us hope that posterity will follow us 

in the same design—till, through the influence of the Bible’s truth, faith be 
turned into triumph, and hope into joy, and heavenly charity, “ for ever bles- 
sing and for ever blest,” shall unite in perfect bliss atx the children of God. 


Wirtiram W. Wootsey, Esq. addressing the second Vice President, 
said, 

Sr, . abet 6 
Having, for several years past, had the honour of being associated with 
the acting Vice President, in the labours of this Society—feeling towards 
him that high respect and affection, which we love to entertain towards a 
character so pure and virtuous—knowing, as I do, his devotion to the in- 
terests of the Society, the important services which he has rendered it, and 
his unremitted and arduous attention to the duties of his office—I have a 
peculiar satisfaction in offering to this meeting the following resolution : 

“¢ Resolved, That the thanks of the Society be given to Matraew Ciars- 
son, Esq. acting Vice President, for his constant, unremitted, and zealous 
attention to the concerns and business of the Society, ever since its organi- 
zation.” - 


Samvet Boyn, Esq. of New-York, on seconding the motion, observed — 


That he had enjoyed the happiness, ever since the formation of this Society, 
to be an eye witness of the entire devotedness of the distinguished, and highly 
respected individual, to whom the motion referred, to advance the interests of 
this great institution; by giving his time, talents, and influence, in presiding 
over the deliberations, and co-operating in the labour of those, to whom was 
confided the management of its affairs ; and that he considered it a distinguish- 
ed honour, to be permitted to second a motion, for the adoption of a resolution, 


American Bible Society. 19 


which, he was quite sure, was expressive of the opinion of every member of 
the Board of Managers. He concluded by saying, he was admonished, that 
under existing circumstances, he ought not to say more, but that he would 
have done violence to his feelings, if he had said less. 


The Rev. Joun P. K. Hensmaw, of Baltimore, Maryland, of the Epis- 
copal Church, moved, and Josep C. Hornsiower, Esq. of New-Jersey, 
seconded the fifth resolution, viz. 


« Resolved, That the thanks of the Society be given to the Secretaries and 
Treasurer, for their important services gratuitously rendered to the So- 
ciety.?" 


Mr. Hensuaw said, 


Mr. PrReEsipEnT, 

When I consider the interesting nature of this Society, the grandeur of its 
ends, and the simplicity of the means which it employs for their accomplish- 
ment, I cannot but deemit a privilege and honour to swell, by the addition 
of the feeblest note, the loud chorus of its praise. I therefore cheerfully 
comply with the request to accompany the resolution which I hold in my 
hand, with some remarks ; and yet I do it fearfully ; for one of much higher 
pretensions might well despair of giving any additional interest to a theme 
which science has enriched with her choicest offerings, and around which 
genius and eloquence have thrown their most fascinating charms. 

But, sir, if zeal in the Bible cause can secure the acceptance of remarks, 
I need not despair of a favourable audience; for I feel a rekindling of the 
pure and generous ardour, which glowed in every bosom within its in- 
fluence, when the vote was passed to establish the American Bible Society. 

My thoughts are hurried back through the few years which have elapsed 
since the first annual meeting, the only one which I have had the pleasure 
to attend. How striking the contrast which presents itself when we ask, 
what was it then ? and, what is it now ? It was then just brought into being, 
the child of much solicitude and many prayers. It was thrown upon the 
protection of Providence; and though most of the Christian hearts in 
the land confidently expected that it would prosper, yet many trembled 
for its fate; some predicted that it would have an early dissolution, or, 
at most, but a sickly existence; and none, even of its most sanguine 
friends, ventured to anticipate the early maturity, the rapid growth,the un- 
exampled prosperity which God’s blessing has secured to it. 

It is now no longer an infant, needing protection, but a mother with a nu- 
merous progeny, which contribute to her support, and in return are favoured 
with her care, protection, counsel and bounty. It was then, a delicate 

' plant, needing the most tender and assiduous culture, it is now a great tree, 
whose branches reach to the ocean, and its boughs to the Western waters, 
while the inhabitants of the North and the South sit under the shadow of it 
with great delight. 

I congratulate the friends of Christ on the gratifying statement which the 
report of this day has laid before them. I call upon my soul, and all that is 
within, to praise the Lord that I am permitted to witness the growing pros- 
perity and usefulness of this National Bible Society ; and earnestly pray 
that its career may be more brilliant and more prosperous, from year to year, 
and from generation to generation, till that glorious day is ushéred in, 


20 Severith Anniversary of the 


when the triumph of the Bible will be complete, and ‘the church shall Be 
vo-extensive with the globe. . 

But why do I exult in witnessing the prosperots state of this Bociety > 
In the first place, because 7é és one of the most efficient means of extending 
the kingdom of Christ upon the earth. The Bible, sir, is the foundation of 
all Christianizing efforts. Its precepts direct us in the choice and application 
of them, and its promises encourage us to hope that they will be successful. 
It is the sun of the religious system, the great and only valuable source of 
of light and heat to the moral world: and, as the luminary of day im his 
passage across the heavens, radiates those beams which are necessary to 
make the earth a comfortable abode for our species, and fertile in those pro- 
ductions which are essential to the support of our animal system ; so the 
radiations from this luminary of the church are’ necessary to the spiritual 
comfort and moral cultivation of our intellectual and immortal nature, Blot 
out this light, and what would be the condition of individuals ? They would, 
without guide and comforter, ‘‘ grope for the wall like the blind; stumble at 
every step, and be in desolate places like dead men.” Blot out: this light, 

- and what would be the condition of our world? It would be like an exten~- 
sive and gloomy prison, where the whole of our race would be chained down 
by the fetters of corruption, while the principalities and powers of darkness, 
claiming it as their undisputed dominion, would exercise their eruel tyranny 
and exult in the wretehedness of their captives. To spread the Bible, sir, is 
one way of dispersing the darkness which envelopes mankind, and of pro- 
claiming liberty to the miserable captives of the destroyer. 

But, say some, thé spread of the Bible alone, will do little towards the 
advancement of Christianity ; the primitive mode was to send the church of 
God with the Word of God. The most enthusiastic admirer of Bible Socie- 
ties has never, I presume, entertained a hope that the world is tobe convert- 
ed by the Bible alone. No! the circulation of the Scriptures must be 
followed by the preaching of the Gospel from the lips of living teachers- 
The Ethiopian eunuch was doubtless much enlightened, while he read in his 
chariot the prophecies relating to the Messiah. But it was necessary that 
Philip, the minister of Jesus, should go to him and explain the import of 
what he read, and preach Christ to him with affeetion and faith, before the 
Gospel proved the power of God to the salvation of his soul. This may 
with some propriety be called the primitive mode of spreading the church 
of God and the Word of God together. And is not this substantially the 
mode adopted by the friends of human kind in these modern days? I hum- 
bly conceive that it is. ‘The Bible Society prepares the way for the opera- 
tions of the Missionary Society. We send forth the holy volumes to act as 
pioneers in the great warfare which the Lord is carrying on against the 
powers of darkness. The agency of Bible Societies may, like the ministry 
of John the Baptist, “‘ make réady a people prepared for the Lord” who 
will hail with joy the approach of the living teachers, listen with faith to the 
good tidings of salvation, and gladly join themselves to the church of the 
Redeemer. Bible and Missionary Societi¢s harmoniously co-operate in the 
great work of extending the church of God. They form different columns 
in that “ sacramental host of God’s elect,” which, under the guidance of the 
great Captain of our salvation, is bearing down upon the kingdom of Satan, 
and will march on, conquering and to conquer, till the powers of darkness are 
subdued, and the doniinion of the Prince of Peace shall extend “‘ from sea to 
sea, and from the river, even unto the ends of the earth.” Though it may 


7 


American Bible. Society. 21 


be true that spreading the Bible alone, will not convert the world ; yet is it 
equally true that without the spread of the Bible, the world can never be 
converted, , 

I rejoice in common with all friends of Bible Societies, at witnessing 
the Christian harmony and brotherly affection which arise from these blessed 
associations. _They soften the asperities of political and religious jealousies. 
The inhabitants of the North and the South, too much divided by sectional 
prejudices, and differing as to some questions of state policy, here meet in 
holy concord, and, with united hearts and hands, engage in the glorious work 
of disseminating that Sacred Volume which forms the surest protection of 
civil liberty, and the only solid foundation of individual happiness and social 
peace. 

. This is no party association—no shibboleth of a sect is inscribed upon its 
bance its only motto is, “‘ glory to God in the highest; peace on earth, 
good willtowards men.” Before the noble, catholic, benevolent spirit of a 
Bible Society, the petty demon of sectarian bigotry shrinks away, ashamed 
of its own littleness and deformity. The Presbyterian and Episcopalian— 
the Methodist and the Baptist—the Friend and the Lutheran, who once 
looked awry, and cast on each other the leer of suspicion, if not of malig- 
nant hate—now. look. each other in the face, and exchange the smile of 
brotherly affection. We do not, indeed, by joining a Bible Society, sacrifice 
any of our peculiar opinions, whatever be the denomination of Christians to 
which we belong, No! we may cherish, in all its strength our attachment 
to different creeds, and churches, and forms of worship. But we learn the 
important lesson, that there is a common bond of union between different 
branches of the family of our Lord: that whatever be our names, if we 
possess the spirit of the Bible, we belong to one great household; and that 
considering the constitution of the human mind, and the prejudices of edu- 
cation, our differences of sentiment and practice are no more to be wondered 
at than the variety of features and complexion, which we so often perceive . 


-in children of the same. parents. We all meet here with confidence and 


love; centring our views in one creed, and that the Bible; and centring 
our.desires, in one olject, and that the spread of the Bible. Q, sir, a sea- 
son of Christian intercourse and fellowship like this, must have some resem- 
blance to heaven, for heaven is love! 

I ought, perhaps, to apologise, for having so long trespassed upon the pa- 
tience of the. audienee—but my heart is full, sir, and I cannot sit down, till I 
haye alluded to one other cause of joy,and made one remark more; and if I 
am not deceived, itis aremark, which will be in unison with the feelings of all 
who hear me. We should rejoice, sir, in the prospect before us. Neyer cant 
attend a meeting like this, without having my thoughts irresistibly hurried for- 
ward, towards that “Jatter day glory,” whose coming has for so many years 
called forth the prayers, and excited the hopes of the people of God. We 
may this day stand upon an eminence, and look back upon the gloom which has 
passed, and forward to the brightness which is advancing, and will, ere long, 
burst upon.our world with overwhelming glory. What. was the state of the 
church before the age of Bible Societies? It was a state of great depression, 
and. almost. unmingled darkness. Gloomy indeed, is the prospect when we 
look back from our emminence, on the years, and ages of cheerless night, 
that have passed away. But O! how full of comfort and hope, is the pros- 
pect which is opening before us! The dawn of a brighter day, has broken 
forth upon the mountains! we behold the rising glories of the church uniyer~ 


22 Seventh Anniversary of the 


sal—we see the sun of Righteousness, radiating his beams throughout a large 
and still enlarging circle—and we exult in the anticipation of that day, when’ 
the inhabitants of all climes, will be favoured with his genial light and warmth.” 
Scoffing infidels may sneer, and semi-Christians may smile at the hopes of 
the universal extension of Christ's kingdom, expressed by zealous believers, 
as the visionary anticipations of weak and enthusiastic minds: but we will 
indulge these hopes, and we will express them too, convinced as we are, that 
the Bible is from God, and that he is able to fulfil his purposes. From the 
rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same, my name shall be great 
among the Gentiles ; and in every place, incense shall be offered unto my name, 
and a pure offering ; for my name shall be great among the Heathen, saith the. 
Lord of Hosts.” 

And is there nothing in the “signs of the times,” calculated to danceetige 
our hopes of the speedy fulfilment of the Divine predictions! what mean all 
the mighty movements of kingdoms, and revolutions of states we have wit- 
nessed in our day? We have seen monarchs made, and unmade—thrones 
erected and demolished, as if by magic. We have seen the prime mover of 
these revolutions, himself, revolutionized. We have seen even the mighty Na- 
poleon, who like some prodigy of nature was thrown into being, from the crater 
of a revolutionary voleano—who filled monarchs with dismay, and made the 
world ring with the terrors of his name; carried to his lonely grave in a state 
of exile and humiliation. How strikingly do these changes which signalize the 
history of this age, demonstrate the truth of what the Bible teaches about the 
instability of all human power, and the transitory nature of all worldly glory? 
The politician may perceive nothing in these conflicts, but a desperate strug- 
gle between arbitrary power and civil liberty—but to the eye of the Christian, 
who beholds the hand of providence overruling them all, how important ap~ 
pears their bearing upon the moral and religious interests of the world? 

These changes are still progressing. One revolution follows another. 
Even now, two important contests are going on—one of which may lessenthe 
power of a proud demoralizing superstition—and the other, though it makes 
the heart shudder to think of the merciless cruelties and butcheries connected 
with it, may eventuate in the overthrow of that power which forms the princi- 
pal support of the Mahommedan delusion, and thus prepare the way for the 
spread of Christianity through one of the most benighted and afflicted’ regions 
of the globe. 

Will any man tell me that God exercises no controlling power over those 
events which have now been alluded to? I would as soon believe that he had 
abandoned his throne, and ceased to reign. Enlightened by the volume we 
distribute, we may perceive his hand—working if you please, in a most mys- 
terious and unwonted way—but still, his hand working to accomplish his 
gracious purposes. 

The day of tumult, war and bloodshed, when the spirits of atheism broke 
forth from the pit, and threatened to lay waste al] that was lovely in the cha- 
racter, and all that was precious in the hopes of man; was the birth-day of 
Bible and Missionary Societies. The bow of God has not, as usual, illuminated 
the summer cloud, but shot across the blackest tempest ;—the seeds of peace 
have been sown in the very track of contending armies; and the harsh 
sound of the clarion, has only prepared the way for the sweet tones of the 
Gospel trumpet. O! sir, in looking on the moral chaos which the earth pre- 
sents, is it not comforting to reflect that there is one above, who can bring light 


American Bible Societys 23 


eut of darkness, and order out of confusion. Amidst the contemplation of hu- 
man conflicts, and murders, and changes in earthly governments—is it not 
cheering and delightful to know that there is one conqueror whose victories 
are bloodless, and one kingdom which shall have no end? Jesus, “‘ the King 
of kings and Lord of lords,” is now riding forth conquering and to conquer : 
some monuments to the honour of his grace, are already erected in every 
land—some trophies of his victory have been gathered from every nation. - 
Let Bible, Missionary, and other benevolent societies, by their increased 
efforts, give speed to the wheels of his chariot—let every soldier of the cross 
valiantly fight his battles—let every humble believer fervently pray for the 
success of his Gospel; till the triumphant shout shall be raised by the angels 
in heaven, and echoed by the redeemed on earth, “‘ Alleluia, alleluia—the king- 
doms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ, 
and he shall reign for ever and ever.” 

It is needless to say one word, Mr. President, i in support of the resolution 
which I hold in my hand—for I am sure it will meet with the cordial approba- 
tion of all the members of the society. Noone can fail to appreciate duly the 
valuable services of our Treasurer and two Secretaries--or be unwilling to give 
them the small return of a vote of thanks, for the distinguished ability and faith- 
fulness with which they have discharged their respective duties—and the noble 
liberality which has prompted them to do it “‘ without money and without price.” 


Josera C. Hornetowrr, Esq. 


Since the meeting of the Society this morning, your committee of arrange- 
ments have politely given me an invitation to bear a part in the exercises of 
this interesting day. A variety of considerations at once suggested to me, 
that I ought to decline the unexpected and proffered honour, and yield the 
place I now occupy, to talents more worthy of the occasion; but, sir, the dic- 
tates of prudence were silenced by other emotions. Attached as I feel to the 
object.and interests of this institution, I could not resist the opportunity af- 
forded me, of lifting my feeble voice, and publicly testifying my devotion te 
the cause of the American Bible Society ; for, sir, ifnot utterly a stranger to 
the feelings of my ownheart, I would rather have my name inscribed on your 
minutes, as a member and supporter of this noble institution, than on the bright- 
est records of political fame, and mere human glory... Yes, sir, I count it one 
of the happiest events of my life, that this day, seven years ago, I had the ho- 
nour, as a delegate from a village society, now auxiliary to this, of sitting as 
a member of the convention that formed, and contributing my feeble aid, to- 
wards the erection, of this noble edifice; the rise, progress, magnitude, and 
splendour of which, already excite the wonder and admiration of our country. 

Yes, sir, when I recollect the trembling anxiety I felt, on that memorable 
day, and the limited extent of my then most sanguine expectations of the fu- 
ture prosperity and usefulness of this society—And when I compare those 
recollections with the bright and glorious realities of this day, I cherish the 
remembrance of my feeble agency, in the transactions of that convention, with 
tenfold delight, and with feelings of gratitude to a kind providence, that I have 
been permitted to witness this anniversary. It would be presumption in me, 
Mr. President, to occupy your time, and that of this assembly, in arguments 
to prove the propriety and usefulness of Bible Societies; and had I the dispo- 
sition and ability to do so, I should shrink from the task, after listening to the 
eloquent appeals, that have already been made on this floor, and especially, 


24 Seventh Anniversary of the American Bible Society. 


sir, after hearing the almost patriarchal address, of the reverend and vener 
rable father, who first claimed your attention, and delighted this audience 
whose parental and prophetic voice, still hangs upon my ear; and may I not 
add, sir, whose sentiments, and opinions, breathing the pure spirit of Gospel 
charity, have made adeep, and I hope lasting impression our hearts. 
Indeed, Mr. President, I hail this day, rather as a season of thank- 
fulness—of joy and gladness, for what the Lord has done for us, than as a time 
for argument in support and defence of our cause. But, sir, while we cele- 
brate and rejoice in the progress and triumph of Bible Societies, our joy and 
felicity is heightened in the recollection, that missionary efforts and missionary 
zeal, are keeping pace with our march, and going hand in hand with us, in the 
great design of evangelizing the world., While we send forth ‘the golden 
pages of divine revelation, on the wipgs of leve, to the destitute and the igno- 
rant; the heralds of the cross are going forth into the wilderness, ake 
the standard of the Redeemer. Yes, sir, last evening, was celebrated ir 

very hall, the anniversary of the United Foreign Missionary Society, under 
circumstances calculated to excite the warmest gratitude, and enlist the 
active benevolence. If any of this numerous and respectable a ve 
honoured us with their presence, only to be entertained delighted, with 
the exercises of the day—If they feel no interest in the Bible and | missionary 
cause, I wish, sir, they could have witnessed the interesting scenes 

last evening, in this Hall:—scenes that would have touched their benevolent 
hearts; awakened the tender sympathies of their bosoms, and’ c 

them to become more than spectators only, on this joyful occasion. . ‘Here, 
sir, they would have seen the massy war club of an Osage warrior, presented, 
at his request, to the president of that society, in token of his gratitude to the 
good society,” as he called it, for sending to his nation the Gospel of peace, 
and as a pledge, that his arm would no more wield the deadly weapon, on . 
field of battle; and may I not add, sir, as a pledge also, that the day i is 
proaching, when the sword and the battle axe shall be beaten into pl 
shares, and the spear of the warrior into the husbandman’s pruning hook. 

Here too, sir, on this very spot where I have the honour of now 
was presented last evening, the affecting, yet heart rejoicing spectacle of two 
Indian children, dedicated to God in the holy ordinance of baptism, by their 
Christianized parents, as the precious fruits of our Bible and missionary ef- 
forts. Oh, sir, if facts like these, in connexion with the interesting details 
of your managers’ report, will not enlist our feelings, our hearts, and our 
hands in the cause of the Bible and the missionary; we must be strangers, 
not only to the benign influence of the meee but to the common sympathies 
of humanity. 

Mr. President, I ask your forgiveness for the time I have occupied, ‘and has- 
ten to perform the pleasant duty, assigned me by your committee. I thank 
them for affording me an opportunity, of seconding a motion, so congenial to 
my own feelings, and in doing which, I am persuaded I do but anticipate the 
united voice, and the heartfelt sentiments of this society. I therefore, sir, 
with all my heart, second the motion, to return thanks to the Secretaries and 
Treasurer, for their important gratuitous services. Their reward, sir, is in 
their own bosoms—their praise in all the churches, and many shall rise ‘sean 
call them blessed. 


(To be continued.) 


EL eal i Nee Se SN bt a Ee 
A, PAUL, PRINTER, 72 NASSAN-STRERT. 


Wo. 24. . | June, 1823. 
SEVENTH ANNIVERSARS,, : 


AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY: 
- Canleered from page 24.) : 
TEP 


- The Rev. Dr. Muzxor, on behalf of himself and his associates, replied to 
the vote. of thanks to the Treasurer and Secretaries, as follows: 


T sensibly feel, Mr. President, of how small a portion of your praise, I have 
a right to make a personal appropriation. 

But the kindness of this highly respectable meeting, having associated me 
with my more meritorious colleagues, in the vote of thanks just passed, it is 
made my duty to tender you our joint acknowledgment for this obliging testi- 
mony of your approbation. 

We receive it with sensibility and gratitude, and will derive from it a pow- 
erful incentive to increased diligence and perseverance in the duties of our 
several Statigns. 

Tam confident, sir, I speak the language of their hearts, no less than my 
own, when I [ say, that all the services we can render, are but an insufficient 
return for the exalted honour of being permitted to take an active part in the 
interesting concerns of this great and growing institution. We might consider 
it no inadmissible ground of self-gratulation, that we are associated i in the sa- 
cred cause of the. Bible, with a multitude of the most eminent and estimable 
characters, both in church and state, in the trans-atlantic nations, and in our 
own beloved and happy country. But it is a still nobler ground of felicita- 
tion, that we are fulfilling the high behests of a gracious Providence, in com- 
municating to mankind the knowledge of God’s will; and proclaiming to dy- 
ing sinners the salvation of his Son ; that the assured tendency of our work, 
is to meliorate the ghastly atures of moral depravity that deform our guil- 
ty world—to mitigate t the ills of the children of calamity—to encourage the 
prevalence of peace and brotherly love among: the disciples of our common 
Master, and to Prepare | immortal souls for the blessedness of eternity. 

Rejecting with : aversion, a sentiment which had its origin in the darkest era 
of the church, that injury may arise from a wide spread circulation of the 
oracles of God, we present those oracles, unreservedly, to all who are willing 
to aecept them ; as containing nothing but what their Divine Author intended 
should be communicated to all mankind, for the guidance of their faith, and 
the regulation of their practice. We assume not the province of mutilating 
the integrity of the sacred yolume. We subjoin not to it the glosses of men. 
Neither do we plead guilty to the charge on which we have been arraigned of 
separating the Scriptures fem the ministry and ordinances of religion—the 
word fiom the church of God; for we faithfully deliverto our fellow men, all 
that has been told us from Heaven in relation to these interesting subjects, 

Where is the ministry that desires a better authorization ? Where i is. the 
Church that seeks a surer foundation, than is to be found in the unerring pages 

; 4 


26 Seventh Anniversary of the 


of revelation? In giving the Bible,we supply the only authentic evidence that 
can exist, of the divine institution of a Gospel ministry ; and the most powerful 
auxiliary in the exercise of its hallowed functions. We afford the best means 
for an intelligent understanding, and, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, 
for the right application of the instructions of that ministry. We put into the 
hands of the people a touchstone, by which the verity of the i taught, 
and the precepts urged by the teachers of religion, may be tested ; nedinhick 
no servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, if he beara heaven-derived 

will fear to have applied to his communications; and we exhibit the ‘Church 
in all that primitive beauty and simplicity in which she was arrayed in the ti 

of Christ and his apostles. 

Sir, when they, who are engaged most ORES 3 in the promotion of Bible 
Societies, are seen to be less concerned than others, for the due ob: of 
the public worship and ordinances of religion; less attentive than others to 
the communications of the ministers of God; less solicitous for the instruction 
of the ignorant at home, and less engaged i in sending the heralds of the cross 
to the benighted heathen nations abroad, then let the imputation be consider- 
ed as sustained, that Bible Societies encourage an unwarranted separation o! of 
things, which, for one, I am willing to admit, the God of the Bible has insepa- 
rably united. 

But every such suggestion is disproved by facts apparent to the commonest 
observer of the passing incidents of the day in which we live. 

If lassitude in attendance on the preaching and other institutions of the 
Gospel—a disinclination to encourage and support the functions of a living 
ministry —indifference tq the education of the poor, and aversion to the cause 
of missions, any where exist, such lineaments of character as these, are 1 not 
most likely to be found among the members of our associations. Through 
the various channels, into which conscience and the providence of God have 
directed their exertions, they are, for the most part, seen to be ; 

_ ous for the promotion of all the methods, by which a merciful God designs to 
§nform, and bless, and sanctify, and save his fallen creatures. 

But the basis of all their endeavours is the Bible. There must be sought 

the warrant—there the directory for the accomplishment of every plan that 
has in contemplation the glory of God, or the happiness of mankind. ‘ 
_ That Bible we tender to the authors of all projected designs of religious 
and moral usefulness as the safest directory, both in their formation and im 
their conduct. That Bible we present to the meanest of the objects. intend- 
ed to be profited by their operations, as a salutary assistant in the improye- 
ment of their proffered benefits. 

We ask the rich and the wise to descend from their elevation, to “explore 
with humility its instructive pages. Weask the poor and the ignorant to ele- 
vate themselves by suitable exertions, to an acquaintance witha ‘book from 
Heaven, especially designed for them. 

Such is the benignant aspect of these excellent associations: and it is their 
allowed boast, that, as far as human foresight can guard against contingent 
evils, the declared principle of their organization protects them from per~ 
version and abuse. ~ 

On this occasion, sir, it is a circumstance warranting mutual congratula- 
tion, and calling for our wiited thanksgivines to God, fhat in regard to the 





American Bible ‘Society. 27 


multiplied auxiliaries to which the National Society has given birth throughout 
our land, whose filial offerings have been pouring into the bosom of their 
parent during the past year, and who in return, have, according to her ability, 
been supplied by that parent with the word of life, there exists so little cause 
of censure or rebuke. 

None have contravened the prand and exclusive principle of our union. 
If apathy and Janguor have been indicated in the operations of some, in most 
instances, its apology is to be found in uncontrolable circumstances of difficulty 
and discouragement. In none, we believe, has it been attributable to disaf- 
fection to our cause. 

Mr. President—We who have the best opportunities of being acquainted 
with the progress and state of that cause, rejoice in the assurance that it is 
advancing in almost every direction, with a steady and unbroken pace. Par- 
tial opposition only animates the zeal of its supporters, and accelerates its on- 
ward progress. The happy effects of the general distribution of the Bible, are 
30 obvious, as to form a constant refutation of old and oft-repeated objections ; ; 

_and the grateful recipients of its benefits, stand forth as willing witnesses to 
“he inestimable value of the bag nen ie which have been the generous in- 
struments of their bestowment. 

Let us not be discouraged because we find our work growing upon our 
hands. It is no ephemeral undertaking. Thousands of human plans either 
perish in their very birth, or are soon robbed of the interest which led to their 
temporary prosecution, or if suitably maintained, accomplish in a little while, 
‘their object, and are dropped. But while human beings continue to be born 
into the world, and. sin continues to maintain its deadly sway in the hearts of 

men, to the Bible we must look for a counteracting influence which may mea~ 
surably avert, oy lessen its desolating evils; and to Bible Societies must we 
Jook for the universal distribution of this pure and ‘uncorrupted fountain of 
knowledge and of truth. — 

Such, I am persuaded, is your apprehension of the character of that holy 
cause to which, with a devotion well worthy of our imitation, you are 
‘consecrating the remnant of your honourable and useful life. May you, 
and your worthy colleagues by whom you are supported in the duties of 
the day, be favoured to witness many anniversaries of this Society, alike 
animating and propitious with the present; and when your ashes are min- 
sled with those of your venerated ancestors, and your spirits associated 
with Buchanan, and Martyn, and Boudinot, and Owen, in the enjoyments of 
the blest, may the remembrance of their and your virtuous example, maintain 
its influence through successive generations, and this noble monument of 
Christian piety and zeal, with its innumerable kindred associations, still sur- 
vive to spread its blessings with a tenfold increase and “effect, through the 
world. by Bs 


The sixth resolution was— 
» Resolved, That the thanks of the Society be givett to the Auxiliary So- 
cieties, for their contributions to its treasury, and for their exertions in distri- 
buting the Scriptures in their several districts.” 
_ Rev. Joun Finuey, of Baltimore, Maryland, of the Baptist Church, moved, 
ang Mr. Jonn Griscom, of the Society of Friends, seconded this resolufion. 


1 


Qs. Seventh Armiversary ny the 


Mrv Piney said, ty GS ewnieem 
‘Thee was atime when the Bible, even in Cagistia ooh cd 






stand in need of advocates, in defence of its authenticity and 
revelation of the mind of God, and the means of light and comf 
man family. There wasa time, when the spirit of the faithful seemet 
er amid the impending storm of opposition, which was impelled y the prir rine 
of the power of the air; and instead of speaking t the language of conse 
vincibility, was willing to apologise for the resistance that was So 
philosopher and the satirist, the grave and the gay, the majestic and 

low; all the varieties of intellect, and modifications of temper, 

the bitterness and the baseness of depreciating the oracles of heaven. It was — 
not enough that the sacred books were exposed to the cavils of the thalignant, — 
and the criticisms of the injudicious and Ticentious; philosophy must forego 
her fairest and finest speculation, and forget her province and dignity ;\ and 
while she received new vigour of research, from the grandeur of ‘the enter: 
prisé, dismal and desperate as it was, employ, that very vigour in the 

ance of the dark design. And, sir, if there be an inspiration of darkness, ania 
Jogous to an inspiration of light, it has been felt and exemplified by the foes of 
the Bible—when all that was fascinating in style, alluring in statement, ' ee 
denied in zeal, and énergetic in argument, has been arrayed pi Rod 
tensions and assurances, of the documents of heaven. But these da 

gone by. Infidelity, in its operations and efforts, has served its Bd, and 
now stands forth an acknowledged illustration of the short-sightedness of 

tan, and the impotency of the gates of hell. Instead of counteracting” the: 
flaence of truth, or retarding the march of revelation, the effect sie 
the awakening of inquiry, and the multiplying of evidence, until the demon 
stration has been consummated, that'the Bible could stand every test, a 

all opposition; and if there be a retrospect which is refreshing ; if there 
interest in combat, and glory in victory; we are this day gratified ‘by t pated 7 
ing on the battles which the Bible has fought, and the victories achieved ; © 
while ‘we can unhesitatingly challenge the strictest'serutiny, and closest in= 
vestigation. “It is on the most solid basis that we rest our pretensions, and 
from elevated ‘vantage ground, look down the vista of futurity, when the Sound 
of battle shall be hushed, and the triumph of the Bible cause be for ever com= 
plete. ‘The increase of light, disturbed the monotony of Satan's sway—the 
clanging of his chain was horrible, while it proclaimed his fury. But, sir, we 
are this day assembled to forge and weld a few more links of that chain which 
shall bind ‘him for a thousand years, and thereafter in endless despair. He 
struggles 'for the last time! and as he feels his strength impaired, he would 
almost pretend a friendship or indifference to the cause. But in Vain. 
They shall both be without avail.’ ‘The Bible, without note or comment, is 
destined to stimulate, unravel, and overturn, until the family of man ate the i 
friends of God! 

Our efforts, under God, must not be relaxed, but rather redbibtéa, "because 
the issue is certain; and while the cautious and the calculating are but half 
perstiaded, the energetic and enthusiastic will seize the prize. The enthusi- 
astic !—Why, sir, on this subject, there can be no such class of beings. When 
we look back on the achievements of the last few years, and compare antici- — 
pations and results together; when in a period of so short duration, we behold 


- Imerican Bible Society. os 


«he impulse given and felt nearly round the globe; when we try to ascertaiti 
the parallel between what enthusiasm itself would have proposed, and what 
faith bas fulfilled. We hail the column of the victor on the rising ground, 
while enthusiasm itself is in the vale below, panting far behind! It remained 
forthe Bible Society to awaken all the faculties of man to their noblest action; 
to peint them forth to greatness while it led the van. 

* ‘When we trace the influence of the Bible on the intellect of man, con: 
sidéred as an instrument of power, we are astonished at the peculiar efficiency 
of Divine light, even in its indirect operation. What, sir, is the amount of 
the science of the heathen world? Vague, shallow, and puerile speculations, 
devoid of even sentimental dignity, and based on no experiment. Condense . 
the essence of all their wisest sages knew. Sum up their wisdom in the boast- 
ful adage; or follow them through pages of musical sentences and flowing pe- 
riods, where Pagan intellect has done its mightiest; and, whether the sophist 
expatiate onthe origin of things, final causes, or the nature of the gods, there 
is exhibited a barrenness.of thought, and a helplessness of attempt, that fills 
_ the anind with mingled pity and disgust. The pupil in the Sunday School, of 
a few weeks attendance, is possessed of views of creation, providence, and 
morals, towhich Pagan philosophy could not aspire. From the earliest lesson 
that “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth,” his under- 
standing acts on nobler data. “The unity of the Divine Essence; the perfec- 
tions of the Divine nature; and the laws of the Divine administration, are 
gradually familiarised to his youthful reflection, until, in earliest boyhood, his 
soul has grasped what transcends the combined capacity of the heathen world. 
Et is not possible fully to estimate the difference of inteliectual force and dig+ 
nity, which has been gained by him, who, from the first, has communed with 
the rays andthe warmth of the Sun of Righteousness. While, on the one 
hand, we see the most aspiring of the Heathen, shrinking in his best attempts, 
under the conscious uncertainty and insufficiency of all his definitions and 
analogies ;, the Christian school-boy, on the other, fearlessly grapples with the 
finest distinctions, and by the purity of his perceptions, and the steadiness of © 
his ‘tread, proclaims the noble and native manliness of his intellectual frame. 
Amacquaintance with the spirituality of his Maker, has spiritualized and sub- 
limated his- every facplty ; the grandeur of his first ideas has expanded them; 
and the few but authoritative principles of ethics, have demonstrated the con- 
geniality of their application to the structure of his conscience. At the out. . 
set of his mental movements, he can spurn from him, as noxious and nausea- 
ting, ‘those very things that have awaked the anxieties, and debased the taste 
of the other. And, Oh, sir! if he arrive at the days of calm comparison, and 
liberal feeling, shall he not pity and relieve the spirit that is thus fettered by de- 
lusion, and in spite of effort, is thus doomed to all the fretfulness of infancy, 
and the bewilderments of madness. Shall he not mourn over the gloomy ex- 
tent and greatness of this mental paralysis, in its monstrous details, and end- 
less discriminations? Shall he not weep over this spiritual chaos and confusion 
—this union of the abstract ef worthlessness and eternal duration? And when 
itis known that the Bible can recognise it all, and is able to cure it all, shall 
itmot bein the diffusion of the Scriptures that we shall behold the wakefulness 
and the stragglings and triumph of an enlightened philanthropy. 

But man exists the subject of moral obligation—and it is necessary that we 
estimate the worth of Bible influence on that department of huntan research. 


50 Seventh Anniversary of the 


We have seen the operation of the Sacred Oracles on the intellectual pow- 
ers. Weare convinced by the history of ages and the present state « 
tries where they are without hope and without God in the world, that the Sun 
of Righteousness alone could resuscitate the torpid and benumbed faculties ‘of 
mankind—We know that from revelation, mind has derived its strength, sci- 
ence its utility and the arts their refinement. From the Bible the astronomer 
has moralised his demonstration, and the geologist borrowed his elue and reso- 
lutions—Nay, it is from Heaven, the poet and the orator have pesserne 1 
dels of their respective arts, and all that is sublime, venerable or pathetic 
the products of human genius have been durable only as they embodied 
spirit and genius of these perfect prototypes.—But there are effects of a high- 
er order—whatever be the respective claims of the schools and systems of 
moral instruction when compared with one another ; whatever ma y be ‘the 
pretensions of modern infidelity or deistical morality over the 3 of an- 
cient days; one thing is demonstrable, that all of them serve but to show the 
utter incompetency of man to explain his own moral state and account for 
apparent contradictions and anomalies in his condition. By one, ‘human na- 
ture is contemplated as essentially excellent, having a few appendant . 
which but display in higher relief the dignity of the whole—a superstructure 
retaining all its usefulness and comfort, while it gained an air of sublimer and’ 
holier interest by its partial dilapidation. On other occasions, the evils of 
our state are confessed—and to be remedied by metaphysical quibbles, while 
the passions are to be tamed by trite and advisory maxims. In short, in all 
of them, there is no recognition of the real misery and wretchedness of the 
heart ; no anticipation of the real characteristics ; no just estimate of the 
symptoms ; a very nothing—crude and cold—at once devoid of fitness and au- 
thority, But, blessed be God, the Bible is the fruit of infinite wisdo emp 
contains the words of Him who knew what was in man ; the power ‘aves 
ges of moral evil are perfectly anticipated and recognised, while with infinite 
delicacy of adaptation, and sovereign decision, it exhibits the glory of 
al instruction. Here it is, that we perceive the accuracy and scaarer 
spiritual legislation ; here are defined the relations of duty and the duties of 
relation ; here are displayed in pure and fascinating colours the broadest and 
loftiest principles regulating and modifying the minute and every-day 
of existence. And while the understanding is strengthened, it purifies the 
purpose, invigorates the conscience, and stamps upon the whole the ‘broad 
seal of an eternal sanction and a native loveliness. ‘Siyss 

As philosophers, have we longed for a certain guide in the science of mind * 
Have we been fatigued and disappointed by the emptiness of human metaphy- 
sics? Would we wish that accurate distinctions, perfect classification, and 
practical inference, should become the property of our species? Let us go om 
in the great work of sending the Bible to the ends of the earth. is 
taught all that man can learn, while by inhaling the savour of i ite 
elucidation, the world will be rid of the trick and the jargon of poh 
yance.—And, sir, may I not extend the scope of the illustration by: one nig 
mark on the end and aim of this moral education. The immortal inte’ 
is to be cleansed and sanctified. By the tender assurances of hie ert 
Book, it is to be redeemed from all its estrangement from the author of its ca- 
pacities. The holy love and mercy testified from the top of Calvary, is\pow- 
erful to subdue the selfish and lowering suspicions and awful jealousies of his 





American Bible Society. 31 


heart towards the perfections and administration of Jehovah. And having 
been educated in the charity which is the fulfilment of the Law—love to God 
and love to man—and having transfused the sweetness of an active beneyo- 
lence, and a holy deportment through the world around him, pass into the re- 
gions of light, to associate with noble minds, and perfect his education. Yes, 
sir, the incorruptible seed of the word of God, is intended to make our souls 
immortal in the highest sense, dnd to qualify them for the avocations of an 
Eternity ! 

But it may be. asked, ‘if the work in which we are engaged be charged 
with results soimmense—if it embrace a werld, and is to be fulfilled through 
human agency, where and how are the means to be procured?” We would 
answer, the effort in its progress will produce the requisite means of success— 
The word of Almighty God exercises not only a transforming but an assimi- 
lating influence on the human mind ; and though the object aimed at is of the 
most majestic enterprise, yet in the very magnificence of its moral character, 
the means are to be realised of carrying it forward to its completion. The 
Bible is clothed with the Creator’s commission and is able to substantiate 
things that are not, 2s though they were. Though at the outset of the at- 
tempt even to conceive the glory of the Bible cause there will be a feebleness 
of comprehension, yet by taking a part anda place in the general movement, 
the dimensions and proportions will be daily familiarised. And while the ob- 
ject surveyed, necessarily retains all its inherent greatness, the intellect and 
moral constitution of the agent will be exalted to its likeness. To the devo- 
ted advocate, new means and measures will be constantly developed—fresh 
ardour inspired for their application, until an overflowing stream of light, 
love, and energy refresh and perpetuate the holy purposes of man. As it is 
true, that the abandonment of the soul to the guidance and direction of 
principle and grace is the direct means of increasing that grace and of 
strengthening that principle, so in the attainment of those ends which the 
God of the Bible is fulfilling in. our world, the engine is to develope and in- 
corporate in its revolutions, all the moral force which is demanded in its pro- 
gress. New difficulties will call forth new exertions to surmount them—new 
successes will whet the mind to keener anticipations—new distributions will 
elicit new resources—And in mind as well as inmoney, “the barrel of meal 
will not waste, nor the cruse of oil fail, until God send rain upon the earth.” 

On this subject there is no space for indifference—To have tasted the pow- 
er of the word of God, and yet be indifferent to the application of its effi- 
«ciency and to the extension of its benefits, is a contradiction in morals and 
impossible in fact. No, sir, the Christian will lift his eye on the millions of 
his species, who are stumbling in the dark, in consequence of the indiffer- 
ence, and avarice and ungodliness of past ages, and with feelings of solemn 
respensibility, apply his hand to the business of mercy. Believing as he does 
in the mightiness and adaptedness of the weapons of his warfare—foreseeing 
the demolition of every thing that exalteth itself—he will—he must pant for 
the victory of truth, and urge by every means the arrival of the Redeemer’s 
Kingdom—while avarice is calculating its petty profits, and saying “‘ Gold is 
my trust ;” while lawless ambition, covered with blood and dust, is grasping the 
laurel dripping with the tears of the orphan; while science herself finds a 
fancied immortality, guessing at the laws of other worlds and trifling in her 
own; the charity of the Bible, through the Bible Society, is busied saving 


32 Seventh Aniversary of the 


souls and restoring to harmony ‘the wreck of intellect. She is, from another 
atmosphere, and holier elevation, marking and guiding the evolutions of that 
moral conflict which divides the anxieties of the universe. And we this day, 
unite our acclamations with her’s when cheering on to” vietory in Death, the 
soldiers of the cross—The Bible contains her tacties; her war-song is the 
seraphic praise of Jesus the Captain, and in all her movements. the Gospel 
trumpet gives a certain sound to prepare for the battle. = 8 4 99 
Glory to God ! to share in this rencontre is our privilege and honour, and we 
hope to recruit our forces, till the enemy retreat from the field disabled and 
dishonoured. By and by, this agency will usher in the day of peace when the 
wise and prudent, scientific and simple, shall concentrate their energies under 
the banner of the victor—We invite the help of science and the co-opera- 
tion of beauty—We exult in their sanctification to the service of the cause: 
And if beauty be interesting it is when the eye looks to. Heaven and glistens 
through the tear which repentance has caused and grace has hallowed—And 
if there be dignity i in science, it is when a man has been redeemed from all his 
haughty reasonings, and lofty speculations and having renounced the pride of 
them all, is humbled at the feet of Jesus to learn the lesson ahs a 
sweets of a Bible Salvation. ; # 
Mr. Joun Gaiscom stated, in substance, that it gave him pry, voted 
to second the motion of thanks to the numerous Auxiliary Sovieties, for 
those extraordinary exertions which had spread throughout this extensive 
country the name and the influence of the Parent Society ; and for those 
liberal addition to its funds, which have so essentially contributed to place it 
on the commanding eminence which it now occupies. It is by the expanded 
efforts of our Auxiliaries, that the noble cause of this Society must continue 
to gain upon the affections of the people; and he could not but congratulate 
his fellow members. on that unexpected and almost unhoped for 
which had enabled the American Bible Society to enumerate, in the first 
Septennial period of its existence, more than 300 Auxiliaries, and within the 
last yeaf only, the addition of not less a number thera a nine. 


Rev. Bens Amin Mortimer, of the Moravian Church, maneduapilies ‘Dr, 
AvexanveR M’L«xop, of New- York, of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, 
seconded the seventh resolution— ‘bya 

“Resolved, That the thanks of the Society be given to the payin individu. 
als, who, by their liberal contributions, have assisted in erecting a convenient 
building, for the accommodation of the Society, thus enabling it to extend 
its operations, and to perform ina more acceptable manner, the important 
duties for which it was founded.” vig! ay ee 

The last resolution was moved by Taxovore Dwicar, Esq. of . 
York, and seconded by Rev. Mr. Jonson, of ewtnen, —_ of 
the Episcopal Church. de “panes 

“ Resolved, That the Society learn with lively satisfaction, ‘that the pros- 
pect of introducing the Scriptures into various parts of South America be- 
comes more and more flattering ; and that the Society will do ever ry thing in 
their power to supply the wants and gratify the wishes of the inhabitants of 
that portion of our continent on this interesting subject.” + a ial 


; American Bible Society. 33 


Bev. Dr.’ Mrinor then’ introduced to the Society Senor Vicenre 
ay Toke Fe, a South sii i and 2 native of Peru, Ayers made the 
~ following * remarks : : 


Conscious, as I am, of the srieeiuilien of expressing properly. my thoughts 
in the English language, I would excuse myself from occupying a single 
‘moment of the time of this meeting ; but the love of my country, superior 
to any self-consideration, impels me to break silence, aa ask your indub 
gence. 

_ Born in South-America, near the equator, under the Spanish yoke, and 
cnr tee fanaticism, how. gratifying it is for me to meet here so many 

_ good Christians, the glory of America, and consolation of humanity. . My joy 
an be better understood than described. Where can there be an emotion 
®ore pure and exalted than that which I experience at this moment, seeing 
myself surrounded for the first time in my life, by somany worthy supporters 
of religion, who, in spite of the apparent diversity in dress, and worship, 
,are all elcthed with the Spirit of the true God, enlightened with the wisdom 
ef the Bible, and united by the brotherly love of the Gospel. From. this 
yery difference of opinions and sects results a harmony as admirable in the 

» moral order as it is in the planetery system ; and in the same manner as the 


. differentstars, at ditferent distances, in submission to the same law of attrac- 


lion, are reyolying without. interfering, never altering the calmness of the 

_ sky; in, the same.manner, Christians, subjected to the will of God, as res 
vealed in the Bible, meet each other with cheerfulness ; animated by the 

_ benevolent spirit of the Gospel, they, love their fellow creatures, give up 
their passions, seek the road.to heaven by a perfect self-denial of their,own 
concerns, and serve the true, God. of charity,.extending by their good. ac- 
tions the sphere of human happiness. This picture of virtue and religious 
tolerance is only to, be found here, in, England, and among the nations 
which, enjoy the benefit of free institutions, manifesting in the purest light, 
the perfect concord and union between Christian morality, political liberty, 
and genuine principles of legislation. 

‘This truth is extremely important for a South American, conscious of the 
noble struggle in -which his country is engaged to expel from those fruitful 
shores the monster of despotism, and to/extinguish for ever that monastic: 
superstition; the enemy to every useful reform ; that lever which shakes the. 
earth, fixing in Heaven its point of support; which in the name and in ,be- 
half of Religion, sacrificed to its avarice the innocent race of Peruvian In- 
cas, condemned to the stake the unfortunate Goatimozin, the last of the Mexi- 
can emperors, and established in unhappy America the sanguinary worship of 
inquisitorial fanaticism. It is not enough to know that there isa perfect 
‘uniom between morality and legislation, its application to the new gevern- 
ments of America is indispensible. _To you, noble promoters of virtue, bene- 
factors of mankind, directors of the institution of the Bible Society, to’ you 
belongs the fulfilment of that honourable task. Turn your eyes towards the 
rising nations of the South, and you will there observe a people worthy of 
your sympathies and of your protection; they are fighting gloriously for in- 
dependence and liberty, but alas, liberty is not to be obtained without virtue, 
and virtue is not to be found but in the principles of the Bible and of the 

5 


———— 


you could immediately establish, in Lima, an auxiliary Bible € 











































a ta abies tag 
34 Boisish Pantene of of Oe eran, ; 


Gospel 7 those sacred: books without note or « 
of social order. To promote virtue through the G ; 
the political liberty of America ; it is to sow for future get 
raptible seeds of peace and happiness ; itis in fine'to a 
of this institution as new as itis adrtirable. ° a ae 
In the rapture of my patriatic' ewxultation, for the morality an 
iny country, I would Wish you might send, on the wings of Ohe eru 
sands and thousands ‘of Bibles arid New Testaments, to ime 


convineed that it would prospér; the!imhabitants of those h cli 
good, benevolent, of mild dispositions, and sensible enough ‘DG 

in a'short ‘time, fle great utility of this institution. The Sp 
guided by short-sighted bigotry, has deprived them till now, of th 
of perusing those admirable maxims.’ Very few of the clergy even h 
an opportunity of reading the Bible’ throughout ; but when pin vil 
the good efféct of tlie Bible, they will undoubtedly .form several « 
ments under the auspices of the parent Society. Perhayis a great a 
triots, and enlightened ministers, giving up their anterior préjudic 


repeat what the Lord said to Joshua. 
This Book of the law’ shall not depart out of thy mouth ; 
meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest ‘observe to do i 
all that is written therein, for then thon shalt make thy ay D 
and then thou shalt have good success. tte 
Yes, the new nations of America will enjoy the triumph en nde 
dence, and the felicity of their liberty, if they would organise their 
tions, following the spirit of toleration, of equality, and self-denial,son 
commended in the Gospel; this Holy Book must be the tie which’s 10 
all the nations of this vast continent; its eqi is the true dogm 
macy of divine origin ; its generosity must be the Holy . ile 
Independent America, An alliance of virtues, and neat: elf-i 
alliance for abolishing slavery, and not to restrain the noble flight: 
an alliance: for promoting human re ee ee a iliz: 


point of the bayonet ; analliance wid thell-tnalke fear and dread f 
the hypocrites and ambitious chiefs of nations; an alliance which shall ex 
pate the seeds of war, insure universal peace, and form, from-the-myriai 

the inhabitants of the earth, a numerous and’Christian family, as enlighten 
as'good, and as benevolent, as the members of this meeting. This's: 

meeting is only a. sketch, a miniature,) ofithe large evangelical Soe 
in future ages, shall-cover the surface ofthe globe; the world, 
by the divine light of the Gospel, will blessthe memory of the pra 
this ‘admirable institution. These virtuous Christians will hear fram & 
the hymns and songs of praise, directed to\ithe throne ot Jehovah, ‘hy 2 

inbabitants of this. redeemed land ; and their celestialyjoy can’ only: be 
creased’ by-the Prospect of human tappininnenot nanan ‘heal i 
of God. 5 ae 


. A. PAUS., PRINTER, 72 NASSAU-STREET.. 
PAU ERROR Oe ee 








